CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand the number of events at Cornbury Park in West Oxfordshire have been approved.

On Monday, Lord and Lady Rotherwick were granted a licence for 13 annual events, despite objections from local residents.

They originally wanted to host four large scale events per year – each aimed at up to 19,999 people – but were granted three by West Oxfordshire District Council.

However, under the licensing terms, only one of the events can be a music festival.

In addition, they were granted permission for 10 smaller events of up to 5,000 people.

Some 74 people complained to West Oxfordshire District Council when the original application was submitted, with fears over extra traffic.

Last year, organisers of Cornbury Festival revealed the 2011 event would move from Cornbury Park to the Great Tew Estate. It will be replaced by the Wilderness Festival.

Lady Rotherwick said: “We are delighted with the decision because it’s great news for the estate.

“We are allowed one large music festival a year which is all we ever wanted.

“I really hope the application process has helped allay the fears of the nearby community and that people are also excited about the opportunities on offer.

“I know there were some fears that we were looking to hold four large music festivals a year, but that was never the case.”