A controversial application from a surfing lake to serve alcohol until 11pm will be considered by councillors next week.

Residents living near The Wave in Easter Compton have expressed fears about drink driving and disturbances late into the night.

Chief executive of The Wave, Craig Stoddart says they have 'misunderstood' the type of events that will be held.

An explosive meeting was held in July, where representatives faced a barrage of questions. There have also been 41 objections to the application for the 77-acre site.

One of the objectors said: “The licence proposal is completely at odds with the original picture presented and we would have objected strenuously if we felt it was to become an entertainment venue, nightclub, restaurant and drinking facility. We were misled. 

“Noisy parties and outdoor music will permeate the area and completely ruin the quiet green belt environment.”

Another said: “The noise from daytime will be bad enough but to prolong this late into the night is unacceptable.” 

The Wave secured planning permission in July 2014 for an inland surf lake with an education centre, cafe bar, camping and other short-stay accommodation. 

Work on the site is set to be completed this autumn.  

It said in its licensing application: “The Wave is bringing surfing, nature and a fresh way of thinking to all ages, backgrounds and abilities." 

Mr Stoddart said: “We were absolutely honest about the nature of the project in our original application. 

“Our planning permission allows us to have people surfing until 6pm, but it doesn’t reference opening times for our café or campsite, where we have planning permission for 25 tented structures. 

“We have to apply for a license in order to be able to serve refreshments and alcohol, and host events, such as surf competitions in the future. 

“The vast majority of our visitors will only be on site in the daytime when they are able to surf. 

“We need to be open a little either side of surf opening hours for people to change and have a bite to eat/a drink.

“It has always been our intention to serve alcohol in our café. However, this is very much secondary to the main experience on the site, which is surfing. 

“We are aiming for a café culture on site, where people can enjoy a drink responsibly after their surf – not an alcohol-led culture focused on irresponsible drinking. 

“We are forecasting to sell considerably more coffees, teas and ice-creams than alcohol.” 

The firm expects to have around 700 people on site and any one time and up to 120 people staying overnight.  

The licensing application says music will not be played at a level that causes an “unreasonable” disturbance to neighbours.

The application also had two supporters, with one saying: “The facility will become a valuable amenity for the area and a significant draw of people from around the country, bringing benefit to the area.” 

The application will be considered by South Gloucestershire Council’s licensing subcommittee on August 20.