Hampshire country idyll broken by Chris Evans car festival, residents say - Telegraph.co.uk

"We did not object to it entirely, but we asked at a meeting for arrangements to be changed and we were told there would be no compromise."

Two weeks ago lorries began arriving to set up stages and put a large fence around the site causing considerable disruption.

"We didn't know about it until the whole thing had been agreed and Chris Evans announced it on Radio 2."

One of the family's three horses, Lockie, an 18-hand Irish racer, was released from a field after an intruder broke in on Saturday night.

Families were unable to sleep over the three-day event with generators going for 24 hours a day and arc lights shining into their homes.

"We've had to put up with convoys of lorries down our narrow lanes, constant noise and it isn't as if it has helped local business as outside companies were brought in," said Neville Barnes, 58, a conference organiser.

"It is strange situation when a house owner needs permission to build a porch, but a large landowner needs almost no permission to hold a car and music festival next to people's houses."

Ian Harrison, 48, a local businessman, said: "It has been a horrible experience for residents and our fear is it will get bigger."

Residents hope that the objections of 170 people will pressure Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council to review allow the event next year.

Mr Evans, who hopes to raise more than £1 million for the charity with a second event in Cheshire, told the BBC: "We're very pleased how the first CarFest has gone - it has been wonderful. So many people have brought their kids, that's been the magic dust over the whole event."

A BBC spokesman refused to be drawn on the disruption caused to neighbours. "Our only comment is to say how successful it has been and how it's going to make a difference to children."

Jody Scheckter said in a statement: "We were delighted to host this very special event to raise much-needed funds for Children in Need.

"We have had overwhelming positive feedback regarding CarFest from local residents and visitors alike, all commenting on how very well-run the family event has been and on the part of the local residents a total lack of any disruption with traffic, noise or crime".