Plans for Northumberland wedding venue refused amid noise concerns

The proposals would have seen a tipi and mobile visitor accommodation for “commercial events” at Chatton Trout Fishery.

The applicant envisaged the site being used for “weddings, birthdays, christenings and corporate events.” The tipi would have been removed from the site following each event.

The plans were recommended for approval by council officers. However, at TNorthumberland County Council’s North Area Planning Committee, locals were unhappy that no noise assessments had been carried out.

Caroline Wood said: “Previous weddings caused a high level of noise pollution in this tranquil environment. Concerns relate to all times of the day, not just overnight.

“The council has a duty to respect conservation areas. The character of an area includes how people experience a place.

“There is no evidence that the planning officer has sought to protect Chatton’s nature as a quiet, peaceful village.”

Fellow resident David Duggan added: “We don’t want to have to report intrusive noise to the council every time there’s an issue. This would be tantamount to legalising anti-social behaviour.

“We could find the site used almost continuously throughout the summer months. The planning officer doesn’t realise how detrimental it would be to the quality of life in the village.”

Planning officers had proposed attaching conditions to the scheme that would have required a noise assessment to be carried out before work could begin and events could be held. However, councillors felt this should have already been carried out.

Cllr Gordon Castle said: “I am all for diversity and expansion of activities in the countryside, but none of the quite legitimate concerns that have been raised here are insufficiently explained.”

Cllr Georgina Hill added: “We can’t make this decision until we have this information. I can’t vote for this.”

Cllr Trevor Thorne suggested deferring the application until the applicant could have the necessary assessments carried out.

He said: “I feel we are taking a decision without the information.

“I would have liked to defer based on the noise assessment. I think the refusal is hitting the applicant too hard.

“They’re trying to develop a business in the countryside. I’m with the objectors in making sure there isn’t a noise problem, but I feel we’re going about it the wrong way.”

Despite Cllr Thorne’s concerns, the application was turned down.