COUNCILLORS have called foul over plans to site a marquee at Dorchester Town Football Club permanently.

They objected to the application at a meeting of Dorchester Town Council’s planning and environment committee because of concerns over noise affecting nearby residents.

They said that a previous temporary application for the marquee had expired and that a brick structure needed to be built instead if the function facility was to become permanent.

Councillor Molly Rennie said: “I have had a lot of people contact me. This is a tent and the noise is leaking out of it.

“The top end of Castle Park is like a tunnel and the noise is funnelling down there.”

She added: “They should be looking for a permanent structure.

“The applicant has had a whole year to put the planning application together.”

The marquee, which is at the front of the stadium, has been used for weddings, parties, social functions, Football club events and charity fundraisers.

The committee was told that residents, particularly in Romulus Close and Remus Close, were being kept awake until up to 1am on some nights by music.

Coun Andy Canning said: “The noise is annoying neighbours and is unacceptable.

“The marquee will also get stained and brown and look worse.”

Coun Richard Biggs added: “It is totally unacceptable to have this marquee on a regular basis.

“I hope they find the means to put a permanent structure up.”

A letter from club chairman Shaun Hearn to West Dorset District Council stressed that the club intended to submit an application for a permanent brick structure but wanted to keep the marquee until then.

The committee was told that Dorchester Civic Society was also opposed to keeping the marquee and urged the construction of a proper function room.

Chairman Derek Beauchamp wrote in a letter to the district council: “Few would wish to inhibit the trading opportunities of our town club.

“Surely having demonstrated the need for function rooms, why not build an integrated structure to provide the necessary space? This site would seem reasonable.

“It would be fair to grant a temporary extension of the marquee permission.”