Festival organisers will find out on Thursday if they can cater for nearly 15,000 revellers.

The Brownstock Festival in Stow Maries is licensed to have a crowd of 5,999, which could increase to 14,999 if Maldon District Council approves.

Organisers plan to stay at 5,999 this year but grow to 9,999 next year and 14,999 in 2016.

The current licence allows music until 3am on Sunday night, but organisers hope to have a later finish on Friday and an earlier finish on Sunday to reduce nuisance for local residents.

The council’s strategic director, Hazel Berrett, raised concerns the application had not addressed several issues, including measures needed to implement licensing objectives, how the number of people will be controlled and considering public nuisance and public safety measures.

Eight letters from residents opposed to the licence application raised concerns about noise, security and public safety.