A DECISION day is looming over controversial moves to turn a listed house in to a sports and entertainment venue.

The owners of historic Rownhams House are applying to stage indoor and outdoor plays and film showings, weddings and live music performances.

But the plan has angered some villagers who fear the facility will lead to late-night noise pollution and could disrupt their way of life.

Applicant, Richard Barber, says the 18th century mansion, set in 12 acres of gardens and woodlands, is “hanging on by the fingernails” and that its current office use is no longer viable.

But licensing bosses, who will determine whether the scheme gets the go ahead on Monday, have already received more than 60 objections.

One letter from Anthony and Lynn Rawlins said: “This area is totally unacceptable to grant a licence for drinking and entertainment, considering it is in the middle of the village and surrounded by expensive properties.

“It would increase the volume of traffic and potentially other noise-related problems and no doubt the drinking would also cause public nuisance issues.”

Former rock musician, Mr Barber, is also hoping to stage lectures and hold weddings and civil ceremonies at the Grade 2 listed property.

The application for premises licence also includes the supply of alcohol up to 11.15pm and the provision of indoor late-night refreshment until 1am.

Mr Barber has already defended his proposals in a statement at Rownhams Parish Council’s village meeting.

Neighbours, he said, would be supplied with a dedicated “hotline” telephone number to ring should they be disturbed by late night noise.

He added: “We are hoping to concentrate on small select gatherings of about 50 guests who are happier with cool summer jazz – not Motorhead.

“Likewise with any corporate bookings – we’re not up for paintballing, war games, clay pigeon shooting or go-kart racing. Croquet and boules is our market.”

Members of Test Valley Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee will make a ruling on the matter at a meeting on Monday at 9.30am in the council chambers at Duttons Road, Romsey.