Showground has exceeded powers

David Murrary, Malvern Hills District Council's head of development control, said licences granted by the former Malvern Urban District Council in 1956 only allowed the Three Counties Agricultural Society to host agricultural, horticultural and farming events which "draw together town and country for their mutual benefit".

MHDC has been investigating events at the showground since September, when local residents and members of Malvern Wells Parish Council complained about noise from the public address system and at events including late-night fireworks and car shows.

After an informal meeting between MHDC and the society, Mr Murray declined to say what action would be taken.

"The council's consideration of the future is on-going," he said. "All parties concerned would like a clearer picture in the next few months."

However, he said it was unlikely MHDC would take enforcement action to stop events taking place.

Mr Murray said planning law allowed some events to become "immune" because they had been taking place for so long and that the society could submit a new planning application.

Director of the Three Counties Agricultural Society Gareth Smith said: "We are, as ever, sympathetic to the concerns of local residents and we're discussing planning issues with MHDC at the moment.

"We're mindful of our neighbours and do assign our own liaison officers to oversee lettings events and monitor noise levels.

"I recently met with Hanley Castle Parish Council to talk about how best we can alleviate such concerns and will be meeting with Malvern Wells Parish Council in the very near future."

Malvern Wells district councillor John Tretheway, said: "There's no doubt that from time to time there are problems, you can't argue about that, but the society is aware of this.

"The showground is an enormous asset, yet at the same time it's part of the community. The Three Counties need to recognise that and perhaps take note of what people are saying."