A popular open-air cinema in Upminster is able to ahead again this summer despite noise complaints.

Essex Outdoor Cinema was given the go-ahead to screen for the second year at the Upminster Windmill Field, in St Mary’s Lane, when its application for a temporary event notice went before the licensing sub-committee in Havering Town Hall yesterday.

The company, headed by Ben Tillson, of Melstock Avenue, Upminster, will be allowed to show a film and serve alcohol to a maximum of 499 people in the field, adjacent to the windmill, between 7pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, June 21.

It follows jam-packed screenings last August and September.

A representation against the application has been submitted by Havering Council noise specialist, Marc Gasson, who said the council had received a “number of complaints” on after both screenings due to the noise from the film and music played prior to it.

He said: “As the event is held in an open park environment there are no natural features to contain the noise from the speaker systems used and the instruments played.

“In addition, the park is surrounded on three sides by residential properties which are in close proximity to the noise sources.”

Readers got behind the organisers on the Recorder’s Facebook page.

Debbie Adshead wrote: “The ones that moaned are probably the same that moan when there is no community spirit and nothing to do! Some people are never happy!”

Ben said he was prepared to talk to neighbours over the noise issues.

“I’m delighted we’re able to screen again this year,” he said. “It’s a great event for the local community and was really well attended last year.”

“We will be working with locals to make sure it goes ahead without causing too many problems.”

For more information go to www.essexoutdoorcinema.com.

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Upminster outdoor cinema goes before licensing panel following noise complaints

Outdoor cinema event to take place in Upminster