One thing I am still not clear on is this
Is the Council able to interpret section 182 sensibly or are they not allowed to interpret it?
Basically is the council(s) behaving badly or are they tied by the legislation?

What else can you suggest I get my MP to look at to enlighten him? I am going to show him the Guardian article, one from Folk on Tap, the Dorset Echo letters page and the Lords discussion.
Also back up this thread I was told The purpose of the legislation is primarily to ensure public saftey (eg numbers attending) or noise dosen't become a nuisance. surely this is a nonsense as both these matters are covered by other laws?