Oakleys Farm alcohol and live music licence bid sparks objections in Dilhorne

This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. The Staffordshire Signal has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own.

A North Staffordshire farm’s bid for an alcohol licence and permission to stage live music and film screenings has sparked objections from residents and a parish council.

Oakleys Farm Ltd plans to sell locally-produced alcoholic drinks from the shop at Little Blakeley Lane Farm at Dilhorne, as well as hosting occasional community and family-focused events.

A premises licence is being sought to sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm, as well as host live and recorded music and dance between 10am and 11pm and screen films between 11am and 9pm each day. In its premises licence application Oakleys Farm Ltd said: “These products will complement the range of locally sourced food and produce available for purchase and will support local producers within the surrounding area.

“We intend to continue hosting occasional organised family, educational and
community-focused events at the farm. During these events, we would like to offer alcohol for consumption on site as an ancillary part of the overall visitor experience, alongside food served from our farm-to-fork kitchen.

“The primary purpose of the premises is as a working farm, farm shop and visitor attraction. Alcohol sales will remain secondary to these activities and are not intended to facilitate the operation of a public house, bar, nightclub or regular late-night entertainment venue.

“Any on-site alcohol provision will be managed responsibly and will support the food, educational and community events held at the farm.”

But the site is facing enforcement action in connection with unauthorised building works and unauthorised non-agricultural uses. The farm shop and a hardstanding area where a tipi is currently located are required to be removed by November 15, a report to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee said.

Previous events have been held at the farm using Temporary Event Notifications, the report added. Three objectors to the premises licence application have spoken out about previous noise and disturbance.

A Kingsley Road resident said: “There have already been several parties recently which have caused significant noise and disruption. The possibility of this becoming an everyday occurrence is extremely concerning and in my view completely unacceptable for neighbouring residents.

“Regular loud music, parties and general noise would have a serious impact on peace, privacy and quality of life of those living nearby. Residents should not be expected to tolerate persistent noise and disturbance on a daily basis, particularly during evenings and at times when people reasonably expect to be able to enjoy their homes without being subjected to excessive noise.”

Tom Bagnall from Richmore Hall Campsite said: “I believe the granting of the licence would have a significant and huge impact on my campsite, my business and the peace and enjoyment of my guests.

“My main concern is the potential for loud music, noise and alcohol-related activity to cause significant disturbance to campers staying at my site. Our campsite provides a peaceful environment for people who come to relax and enjoy their stay, and excessive noise would have a direct and negative impact on their experience.

“I have already received a complaint on 12th September 2026 from one of my campers regarding loud music and noise continuing until approximately 1:30 a.m. This is particularly concerning because the complaint has come from a guest in a caravan which is insulated somewhat from noise.

“A very large proportions of my business is campers staying in tents. The guests staying in tents would be massively affected by the noise since there is absolutely no sound insulation whatsoever in a tent; this disturbance has occurred before any licence has been granted.”

Consall Parish Council said their September 9 meeting was “attended by a large number of local residents voicing their concerns regarding the application”. The council’s submission to the licensing application added: “All the parish councillors present were fully united in their concerns about the potential impact the proposed activities could have on neighbouring residential properties.

“In particular, we are very concerned about noise and disturbance from live music, recorded music, dancing, and other entertainment, particularly if these activities take place outdoors and continue into the evening. Noise from music, people talking and shouting, and people leaving events could have a significant impact on neighbouring residents, particularly during evenings and weekends.

“Although the applicants offer to carry on those activities within the tipi tent after 2100 hours we believe will have no meaningful effect on reducing the level of the sounds escaping from the site as the tipi tent is effectively a single layer tent, not designed in any way to trap sounds from escaping.”

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s planning enforcement team has objected to the application and the authority’s environmental health department has recommended it be refused “due to significant risk of public nuisance being caused by loud amplified music and patron noise.”

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards department has agreed a series of conditions if the premises licence is granted however. These include operating a Challenge 25 policy to stop underage alcohol sales and a CCTV system being installed to cover public areas.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee will consider the premises licence application at a meeting on Wednesday (October 7).

Written by Kerry Ashdown, Local Democracy Reporter.