THE sounds of explosions and screaming zombies during filming at a former military base have been disturbing residents and frightening horses at a nearby farm.

Residents living in Somerton, near Bicester, say they are now concerned about plans to extend the movie-making operation.

Villagers have warned councillors about the bid to increase maximum annual filming days at Heyford Park’s flying field from 28 to 125.

The former RAF and US Air Force base, at Upper Heyford near Bicester, has been used for productions like Brad Pitt zombie movie World War Z.

Television thriller 24, Oxford-based detective drama Lewis and movies The Woman in Black: Angel of Death and Muppets Most Wanted have also filmed there.

Our top stories

Dorchester Group, which is building 763 homes at the former base, has applied to Cherwell District Council for more filming days.

Oxford Mail:

  • A scene from World War Z starring Brad Pitt, which had some of its action filmed in the former military base at Upper Heyford

Farmer Andy Corner said: “When they filmed World War Z we were woken at 3am with screaming zombies, machine gun fire and explosions.

“Nobody even came to us to warn us and talk to us about it.”

His Village Farm is on the perimeter road around the field, designated a conservation area in 2006 because of its role in the Cold War.

The 49-year-old said lighting towers mean “our place turns into Wembley Stadium” and noises have seen horses “go mad” and escape the farm.

The father-of-three said: “I accept things are going to change.

“I am happy for them to do things like the filming, they just need to have a little more respect.”

Oxford Mail:

  • War flick Fury, also starring Brad Pitt

Alison Smith, 51, of Troy Farm Cottages, Ardley Road, said of late-night explosions: “I had just got back to sleep and it went off again.

“It was beyond just annoying, I was wondering what on earth was going on.”

Somerton Parish Council urged refusal of allowing the extra day of filming and told Cherwell: “The lack of liaison between the users of the base and adjacent residents is causing distress.”

Somerton parish had 305 residents in the 2011 Census.

Dorchester can film up to 28 days without specific permission, which it is now seeking for up to 125 days and to film inside buildings at the base, not used by the forces since 1994.

Cherwell planning officer Andrew Lewis said film bosses will liaise with residents and noise must meet background noise standards from 8pm to 8am Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sundays and public holidays.

Its planning committee will meet at the council’s White Post Road, Bodicote, offices tomorrow from 4pm.

 

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.