A MUSICAL maestro is trying to drum up support for a teaching studio in Christchurch after planning councillors rejected his first proposal.

Drum teacher Simon Mellish, who also teaches in schools across Christchurch is taking his application to appeal after the planning committee at Christchurch Borough Council refused to approve it following objections from elderly neighbours last week.

Councillors refused the plan because they believed it would be detrimental to local housing amenities, arguing there were better places for the school to be located.

Even though plans for the studio at Groveley Business Park included total soundproofing of the building as well as strict time curfews placed on the drum and percussion lessons, residents in Purewell Close, whose gardens back onto the light industrial business park were still not satisfied with the proposed conditions.

The studio, which was recommended for approval following an inspection from Environmental Health officers who saw no problem with the proposal, would have provided a local community service for young people to develop their musical skills.

The Percussion Works studio is also an Arts Award Centre where school children from the area can go to work towards a qualification in any artistic topic, under Simon's supervision.

He said: "I would invite anyone, including members of the planning committee, to come down to have a listen to the supposed noise disturbance as I can assure you there is none.

"The council said when they made their decision that it was the wrong location but I would like to know where else in Christchurch they would give me permission for this studio.

"I want to be a good neighbour and believe that I have taken all the necessary steps to prevent any noise escaping the building.

"The ironic thing is, we are funded by Christchurch Community Partnership so the fact that the application was refused, seems absurd.

"We teach over 150 kids, in Somerford Junior School, Mudeford Junior School and the Priory to name a few.

"I can understand that when people hear the word drums', alarm bells may ring but we want to be responsible and aren't out to cause anyone any disruption."