An application to secure the presence of the We Are FSTVL in Upminster for the next five years and increase its size has divided opinion.

Lime Green Events plans to welcome 24,999 music fans to the event at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in 2015 – an increase of 10,000 on this year.

This is proposed to increase again to 29,999 in 2016.

We Are FSTVL director, Reece Miller, said: “We feel the time is right to apply for a five-year licence. This shows our belief and commitment to the event and also allows us to invest in important infrastructure works.”

The application has prompted 19 objections and 22 messages of support.

Six authorities, including fire and police services, also made representations raising concerns including crime, the use of legal highs, noise, the number of visitors and drug and alcohol policy.

During this year’s two-day festival 56 noise complaints were made and 21,000 canisters containing a legal high seized.

Havering Police have said approving the application would undermine the borough’s licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance. Last year 70 thefts were recorded at We Are FSTVL – a 100 per cent increase in crimes in the south of the borough for the year.

Mr Miller said he understood the concerns, which organisers would address with other authorities and agencies.

Representations, including two from transport companies, have been made in support of the application.

One resident has congratulated the festival, which will welcome artists including Carl Cox, Sven Väth, Loco Dice and Jamie Jones in 2015, for providing an event aimed at younger people.

Others have lauded the increase in business for Upminster’s traders.

Mr Miller said: “I’m really encouraged by the local support we receive for the show not only from those that go to the show but also from residents who acknowledge the efforts we make to minimise the impact of the event on the local community.”

A decision to approve or reject the application will be made by Havering Council on December 17.