Grade II mansion estate applies for alcohol licence

The operator of a listed estate in Berkshire has applied for a premises licence so it can sell and supply alcohol and put on entertainment there.

Benham Park, in Speen, near Newbury, includes a Grade II* listed 18th Century mansion designed by celebrated architect Henry Holland and Grade II listed landscaped grounds by Capability Brown.

Benham Park Enterprises, which has renovated the mansion, has applied to supply alcohol, play live and recorded music and allow plays, films and dancing, indoors and outdoors, between 10:00 and 23:59 throughout the week.

It would also be able to provide alcohol indoors between 23:00 and 05:00 if an application to West Berkshire Council is approved.

The mansion is positioned within 140 acres (56.6 hectares) of parkland and former owners include Norwegian IT company Norsk Data.

The application states that the venue would only be for exclusive hire only.

The company said it plans to hold 20 events in its first year of operation and then 35 in forthcoming years.

But objectors said they worry about hundreds of attendees and gatherings causing noise, potential disturbance and traffic.

The council's licensing sub-committee will be asked to decide on the application on Monday.