A stately home will be allowed to host private functions until the early hours despite objections from local residents who are worried about potential noise disturbance.

A stately home will be allowed to host private functions until the early hours despite objections from local residents who are worried about potential noise disturbance.

South Norfolk Council's licensing committee yesterday approved an application by Roger Buxton, of Kimberley Hall, near Wymondham, to extend the existing premises licence in order to attract more clients. The hall and grounds are available for hire for weddings and other functions, and in future events will be able to continue until 3am six times a year, until 1am on four occasions, and for 24 hours twice yearly.

Standard opening hours will be from 11am until midnight, and residential guests can be supplied with alcohol at any time, day or night.

The committee received six letters of objection from Kimberley and East Carleton Parish Council and other residents. The majority cited a specific Jackalope music event held at the hall in August 2007 resulting in complaints about excessive noise levels.

Mr Buxton made a public apology regarding this issue during the meeting. He said, in his application, that clients will be required to provide noise and traffic management plans for large scale open air events, in addition to risk assessments and comprehensive health and safety statements.