Controversial plans to transform a park on the outskirts of Norwich into a festival hotspot have been given the green light. 

Thorpe St Andrew Town Council will host large events with live music, funfairs and fireworks at Fitzmaurice Park, near Norwich.

Following a backlash from neighbours, who worried the council had sought a "blank cheque" to throw celebrations late into the evening on any day of the week, restrictions have been imposed on the hours these events can run until. 

However, the festivals could still be attended by as many as 7,500 people, who could descend on the park on any day of the week. 

Enjoying the fair at the Thorpe St Andrew St George's Day celebrationEnjoying the fair at the Thorpe St Andrew St George's Day celebration (Image: Denise Bradley) The park has previously hosted car boot sales, fireworks displays and street food festivals, but the new license permits a range of events including plays, films, live music and dance displays.

Thorpe St Andrew Town Council originally sought permission from Broadland Council to host 10 large events a year at any time between 9am and 11pm on weekends or weekdays - a particularly controversial point among locals. 

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Claudia Burwitz, who lives next to the park, said: "I saw this as a blank cheque for there to be a party every day and every night.

"We can't open our windows in the summer months because the music can be so loud. People who don't attend these events still have to suffer from the noise.

"The park isn't huge and I don't see how thousands of people can fit safely."

Thorpe St Andrew Town Council has hosted events at Fitzmaurice Park for many yearsThorpe St Andrew Town Council has hosted events at Fitzmaurice Park for many years (Image: Thorpe St Andrew Town Council) Following local objections, the council agreed to finish its events at 7pm - with the exception of five per year which can run until 10.15pm. 

Rachel McCarthy, a spokeswoman for the town council, said: "I'm conscious that the timings seem extreme but we are only trying to legitimise the activities we already host. 

"This is a well-oiled machine and we have had limited problems. We just want people to be able to organise events without any fear of getting in trouble or breaking any rules."