Mayhem broke out in Berkshire as residents were fearful that a Christmas-themed attraction would cause traffic congestion, health and safety issues and have an impact on the environment.
However Bracknell Forest Council ignored the 289 objections and approved a three-year temporary licence which allows LaplandUK, the UK's home of Father Christmas, to trade at Whitmore Bog.
Angharad Clark, of Swinley Road, Winkfield, where the Christmas experience will be staged during the festive season for the next three years, spoke against the application for three minutes during a heated meeting.
She criticised the plans being called "temporary", claiming it was more like a third of the year and said the site would cause light and noise pollution, traffic problems and would "destroy" the street scene. She added: "Protect the countryside, protect the residents," as objectors supported her with a round of applause.
LaplandUK's co-founder Alison Battle spoke for three minutes about how the attraction would bring to life "a young child’s fleeting belief in Father Christmas". She explained how visitors arriving and leaving at pre-booked times would minimise the impact on traffic and said LaplandUK had never received a traffic complaint, nor light or noise complaints, in the six years it operated in Kent.
Members asked several questions, resolving to alter conditions including the dates the attraction can be open and when staff can begin work. Cllr Dale Birch said a lot of work had been done to put in mitigations for potential problems. Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker added the idea had great economic benefits as it would bring 250 jobs to the area in the run up to Christmas.
The attraction is due to operate between 30 November and Christmas Eve this year and between 21 November and Christmas Eve in 2014 and 2015. All buildings and facilities would be removed from the site in the intervening periods.
