Councillors criticised the absence of two festival objectors from a licensing hearing where organisers outlined noise checks and offered to explain the monitoring process in person.
The Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival is seeking a time-limited premises licence covering May 27 to May 31, 2027, at Blackmore Gardens and Peacock Lawn.
East Devon District Council’s licensing and enforcement sub-committee considered the application at Blackdown House in Honiton on Tuesday, October 6.
Licensing officer Leeann Leeds said two people had submitted representations, but none had been received from responsible authorities.
Neither of the two people who submitted representations attended.
Councillors expressed disappointment, noting the cost of officers’ time and the considerable distance travelled by festival director Ian Bowden.
Ian told the hearing that sound engineers monitored noise levels in real time, with 174 spot checks carried out during the 2026 festival.
Organisers had also hand-delivered 250 letters to local residents before the event, providing a dedicated telephone number for concerns.
He said he would welcome the opportunity to accompany objectors on a sound monitoring round to explain the process.
Environmental health officer Ian Winter told councillors that three noise complaints had been received since 2023, including one from a festival attendee.
None had come from those who submitted representations on the application.
The officer said environmental health had worked with the applicant since 2022 and helped develop the event management plan, which was working well.
The hearing was also told that audible music did not necessarily mean noise levels were excessive.
The festival director said he did not consider music continuing until 10.30pm unreasonable for an adult event.
He outlined the festival’s work with local suppliers and said hotels, shops, hospitality businesses and community groups benefited from visitors attending.
Peacock Lawn provided a venue for young and emerging artists, while fringe events and workshops included both free and ticketed activities.
Ian said organisers were proud of the festival and welcomed feedback on ways to improve it.
At the close of the hearing, the chair said the sub-committee’s decision would be communicated in writing within five working days. No decision has been published on East Devon Council's website but the minutes have been made available.
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