Agenda item

Deighton Lodge Limited, Rush Farm (Game Farm), York Road, Deighton, York [21_00902_FUL]

Variation of condition 4 of planning permission 16/00267/FUL to increase the number of weddings that can be held in 2022 and 2023 from 15 per year to 19 per year. [Wheldrake Ward]

Minutes:

Members considered an application to vary a condition of planning permission to increase the number of weddings held in 2022 and 2023 from 15 to 19 per year at Deighton Lodge Limited, Rush Farm (Game Farm), York Road, Deighton, York.

 

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application and officers were asked if the extension could be conditioned to one year.  Officers explained that the lead in time of approximately 18 months for weddings made this difficult. An update was given concerning noise insulation measures. 

 

Public Speakers

Michael Morris spoke in opposition to the application as a neighbour of the property.  He explained that residents are still being affected by noise from the property.  He went on to question the financial reasons behind the application citing that that owners made a substantial profit from the business.  He concluded that should events take place several nights a week it would be distressing for residents and that he would not be in objection if previous planning regulations had been met.

 

Sharon Coutts spoke in support of the application as the deputy manager of the business.  She explained that the business had been closed for the majority of 2020 due to Covid related reasons.  The closure had impacted on local suppliers as well as the business and the increase in the number of weddings would assist in mitigating their losses.  She addressed concerns around noise, explaining that they had worked with a noise analytical company and had produced a noise management plan.  She then outlined the plan and confirmed that they had had no complaints during weddings for the last three years.

 

In response to questions from members it was confirmed that weddings take place most usually on a Saturday and if the application was approved there would be four more weddings on Saturdays throughout the year. 

 

The Deputy Manager was responsible for noise management and that incidents relating to noise were formally recorded.  Doors to the barn were kept closed all evening, live music ends at 23:00 and recorded music finishes at 24:00.  All guests were off the site by 24:30. It was confirmed that smoking area is at the opposite side of the garden to the neighbours.

 

After debate, it was moved by Cllr Melly and seconded by Cllr Daubeney to approve the application.

 

Resolved:  That approval be given to the application subject to the conditions listed in the report and additional condition and informative as below:

 

Additional Condition

The noise insulation measures and lighting design approved by Approval of Details AOD/16/00288 dated 30.07.2019 shall be permanently retained.

Reason:     In order to safeguard the amenities of adjoining residential occupiers and limit the impact on wildlife.

Additional Informative

The sub-committee recorded that they approved the application as a reaction to the loss of business caused by the pandemic.  It should not be relied on as a precedent for any future applications to increase the number of events at the venue.

 

Reasons:

                     i.        The proposal to increase the number of events at the site to 25 in 2017 was refused at Area Planning Sub-Committee and the decision upheld at appeal.  The current application is to increase the number of events that can be held at the venue from 15 to 19 for two years only.  The justification for this solely relates to the financial impact of restrictions related to the pandemic and the desire to try and accommodate some of the weddings that have been cancelled since 2020.  The NPPF whilst emphasising the need to ensure that people have good living environments also requires decisions to create conditions in which businesses can invest and adapt (Paragraph 81) and places where social, cultural and recreational facilities are provided to meet community needs (paragraph (93).

                    ii.        The increase in the number of events from 15 to 19 will increase the number of nights on which noise could impact on neighbours.  It is considered, however, that this impact should be balanced against the economic and social benefits that will result from allowing the business to temporarily vary the planning condition. It is noted that  the addition of 8 wedding ceremonies over 2 years does not exceed the number of events that have been cancelled to comply with covid-19 regulations.

 

  [The meeting adjourned from 18:09 to 18:18]

 

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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