Residents in a quiet Angus estate fear a major dance music festival could bring drugs, drink and criminality to their doorstep.
Panmure Estate householders are also worried about noise, traffic congestion and the impact on wildlife and warned that the two-day event will be “impractical to secure”.
Organisers have argued that its strict management plans will cover these issues but that is unlikely to satisfy the majority of people on the estate near Carnoustie.
They have told Angus Council they have “little confidence” in the organisers of the Festival of House, Jigsaw Events and Management Limited.
The event which will take place on June 10 and 11 if planning permission is granted is expected to have a capacity of 15,000 dance music fans, with 5,000 campers.
A spokesperson for the residents said: “The primary concerns are the dangers and negative impacts that it will have on the residents such as noise, traffic congestion, drug/alcohol culture and criminal gangs this type of event attracts; the surrounding environs and local wildlife such as red squirrels, badgers, bats and otters, which are all protected species.
“There is also little confidence in the organiser of the event, who openly admits they have no prior experience of a large-scale event.
“Their assurances that the official site will be fenced and secured has not dispelled fears as they have not been able to answer questions on how they will secure against the many young people without tickets who will no doubt be attracted to the event.
“The estate is porous with many access routes and considered by the residents impractical to secure.
“For those who know the estate, there is grave concern for the many hazards facing these young people that may possibly cause serious injury or worse, especially in the dark.
“The risk is exacerbated by the fact that in many parts of the estate, there is no mobile signal.”
Organisers who have already set up a link to pre-register for tickets have now embarked upon the full consultation and planning process with key agencies and residents.
The early stages of the process have involved consultation with bodies including Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.
Angus Council’s decision that no environment impact assessment is necessary has subsequently been confirmed by the Scottish Government.
Permission for the weekend festival, which is being supported by the renowned Rhumba Club, includes a request for two temporary stages, a big tent, car parking and a camping area able to accommodate 5,000 campers overnight.
A spokeswoman for Jigsaw Events and Management Limited (Festival of House) said: “As part of the entertainments licensing process, it is necessary for Jigsaw Events and Management to agree strict management plans with the relevant agencies responsible for regulating such events.
“These plans will cover issues such as noise, road traffic, drugs and alcohol, the historic and natural environments, health and safety, and access.
“The granting of an entertainments licence will only take place if and when the organisers satisfy the rigorous scrutiny of the licensing board.”
She said the organisers are now focusing on obtaining “vital” local knowledge and feedback from the community on to how to minimise any disruption caused by the festival.