A family-friendly rave could be coming annually to a park in south west London, despite residents' concerns it could cause problems in future years.

'Raver Tots' would be held as part of a weekend of events in Old Deer Park in August, and return in future years, if the plans are approved by Richmond Council.

Organiser Park Live Events wants to hold a film-themed event with a live orchestra to kick off the weekend on 29 August.

The next day's event, on 30 August, would see a variety of singers and bands perform for attendees.

Raver Tots would take place as the headline event on 31 August, featuring an open-air dancefloor, DJs, free funfair rides, stalls, street food and games for families.

Park Live Events has applied to the council for a permanent licence to hold these events over one weekend in the park every summer.

Agent Edward Chaplin told the council's licensing committee on February 24 the company wanted to hold the events annually to benefit local families.

Mr Chaplin said: "It's an opportunity for families and children to enjoy this type of entertainment at a lower scale than you'd normally see at an event or concert, in a family-friendly setting that wouldn't be available anywhere else."

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He added: "This tried-and-tested event will be and is well managed, and is a safe and successful cultural and entertainment facility for the residents and families of Richmond and surrounding areas."

But an objection letter from Old Deer Park Working Group, which represents five residents' associations, said it would be 'inappropriate' to grant a permanent licence for the events.

The letter raised concerns the events would cause issues that would not automatically be addressed as the organiser would not have to reapply to hold them, while the licence could be transferred to another company with different plans in the future.

Peter Willan, representing Old Deer Park Working Group, told the hearing members supported the events but wanted to minimise any risks they raised.

He said: "I think if we have several events, three or four, with permanent licences, we're running… a risk, because while Park Live may be very respectable and everything and continue as they have set out today, things can change.

"I think, in any estimate, the longer out you go, the bigger the risk and uncertainty that things can morph into something else that we then have no control over."

Mr Chaplin stressed the events would not cause any problems.

He said there were measures in place to address the group's concerns as the council's events team would have to approve any new company being able to use the park, while anyone could ask for the licence to be reviewed if they had concerns.

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Park Live Events has applied for permission to sell booze, play music and hold dance performances from 5pm to 10:30pm on the Friday, 12pm to 10:30pm on the Saturday and 12pm to 7pm on the Sunday during the events.

The council will publish its decision on the plans in due course.

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