A Norfolk field studies is hoping to boost its income and involve the community by putting on more family-friendly events.

Andrew Coles, centre manager of Holt Hall Environmental and Outdoor Learning Centre, owned by Norfolk County Council, has applied for a full premises licence from North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

Members of the authority's licensing sub-committee will discuss the application on July 3 and, if approved, the hall could show films and host plays and dance performances as well as live and recorded music between 10am and 11pm every day.

The licence also covers the sale of alcohol, but Mr Coles said the venue would not be selling alcohol 24/7 and would remain an educational base.

NNDC's licensing sub committee has received 17 letters of objection – mainly about concerns over alcohol, noise and excess vehicles on the site.

Mr Coles said: 'By having a full premises licence ourselves, we can dictate what the conditions are much more tightly than we currently can.

'We can take more control of events and can even put on wedding receptions and business conferences. It is about fundraising because we no longer get direct subsidies from Norfolk County Council. We have to be financially self-sufficient.'

The centre used to receive £130,000 from the county council each year until April 2010, when funding was removed because of financial cuts.

As well as running residential courses, the centre also receives an income from hiring out the grounds for artistic events which need temporary events notices.