Music festival 'may harm downland flora and fauna'

The old Rifle Range site, on downland near to Wiston House and belonging to Wiston Estate, is abundant in flora and fauna, including a succession of rare orchids growing there each year, and is ranked as a site of nature conservation importance.

However, a Live Lounge event is to be held there on May 31 from 10am to 10pm.

The free family event, organised by Steyning people, gives an opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talent to the community.

Organisers expect local crowds of around 700 on the site but under the terms of the licence, for which objections and comments have to be received by Horsham District Council before April 20, they have to have an infrastructure to support 1,500 attendees.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette April 2