A High Court Judge has rejected an appeal by organisers of the Soundon Festival to overturn Thurrock Council’s decision to refuse their entertainment licence.

Judge Justice Ouseley who was conducting the judicial review at the High Court said the case was “inarguable” after having examined the material.

The two-day planned dance festival planned to attract over 8,000 people to the Essex Sports Village, a 48 acre site on Purfleet Road in Aveley this August.

But last month the licence was refused by Thurrock Council’s sub-licencing committee following concerns raised by licencing officers, police and residents with the proposed venue.

Concerns raised by the council and police at the June 22 meeting included the size and number of access routes, provisions of public and private transport and parking, and traffic control procedures on the nearby A13 and A136.

Three separate versions of the organisers’ event management plan were submitted, but details on certain issues were “still not good enough” according to the council’s licensing sub-committee.

In June, the festival organisers said they had already postponed the event from the May Bank Holiday to August, in order to “work closely” with Essex Police and Thurrock Council to meet Health and Safety requirements.

Judge Mr Justice Ouseley concluded the judicial review hearing by saying: “This is not a case in which I am prepared to grant permission. Having examined material and heard argument I am satisfied this case is unarguable.”

The organisers of Soundon Festival have been contacted for comment on the decision.