People living around Marple, Compstall and Marple Bridge have told a local area committee they are at breaking point over what they describe as increasingly intrusive music festivals held at White Bottom Farm.
At a recent Marple area committee meeting, resident John Bright said he had received complaints that festival noise on 17 and 19 July kept some neighbours awake until the early hours. He said festivals at the farm appear to be growing both in number and size.
Concerns over noise, litter and possible SSSI encroachment
Speakers told councillors they were worried not only about late-night noise but also about litter, drug use and the impact of camping on the landscape. A particular source of anxiety is a nearby site of special scientific interest (SSSI), which volunteers and councillors consider important to protect.
- Noise disturbance reported on 17 and 19 July, affecting sleep until around 2am.
- Residents raised issues of litter and alleged drug use associated with events.
- Promotional material for the upcoming Firevolt festival was seen to show camping areas near the SSSI.
“The noise was so bad on July 17 and 19 that it kept some residents awake until 2am. The festivals at the farm appear to be getting more numerous and bigger every year.”
Councillor Michaela Meikle acknowledged the importance of the SSSI and said she had raised the matter with senior council officers. She told the committee: “We all, the councillors here and the council do take it really seriously.” Meikle also said the council was currently in discussions with the farm and the site owner.
Councillor Steve Gribbon said he had spoken directly with the farm about noise and other issues. Committee members emphasised they did not want the situation to deteriorate and that they were pursuing residents' concerns through council channels.
What is at stake and next steps
Locally designated conservation land is at the heart of the dispute: villagers worry that unmanaged camping and larger events could damage habitats on Stockport's only SSSI. Councillors have the power to monitor licence conditions, noise levels and land use around events, and say they are engaging with the landowner to seek solutions.
| Issue raised | Detail |
|---|---|
| Noise | Reported disturbance on 17 & 19 July, residents awake until ~2am |
| SSSI risk | Promotional material suggested camping close to or on the SSSI |
| Council action | Officers in discussion with farm owner; councillors monitoring |
For residents in Compstall and Marple Bridge, the issue is immediate: it touches on sleep, local amenity and protection of a sensitive environmental site. Councillors have said they will continue talks with the farm and senior council officers, while community members press for clear safeguards around camping, waste management and permitted noise levels.
Anyone affected by festival noise or with evidence of environmental harm is advised to report concerns to Stockport Council so they can be recorded and passed to the relevant officers handling event licences and land management.
