Couple lose bid to host weddings at £3m Herefordshire venue

Edward Evans had asked Herefordshire Council to change the planning permission at Crumplebury Farm in Whitbourne to be able to host wedding receptions.

The multi-million development which is set in the grounds of the 1,500-acre Whitbourne Estate.

The venue had secured more than £1 million in wedding and corporate bookings for 2020, with the majority expected to take place in 2021.

But the site’s planning permission, which was granted in August 2017, has a condition which states the site shall be used for no other purpose than as a restaurant, guest accommodation and a conference centre.

Whitbourne parish council along with some 27 local people objected to the application over highways safety and noise and light pollution.

While three residents supported the scheme saying it provided employment and helps keep younger people in the community.

Ward councillor Nigel Shaw told the planning committee meeting on November 10 that rejecting the proposals was probably the right decision but a difficult one to make.

Councillor Alan Seldon proposed turning down the plans and this was seconded by coun Tony Johnson.

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“Weddings are completely different kettle of fish from a conference,” he said.

He said the advent of a wedding venue in that situation would probably severely affect the amenity of residents across the valley.

“If you trawl around the internet for Crumplebury you will see it has been heavily marketed as a wedding venue,” he said.

“I would suggest perhaps the applicant is a bit previous in some of his marketing.”

Councillor Paul Rone said it was a difficult decision to make as rejection could make the business go under.

He said he searched on the internet for wedding venues in that area and Crumplebury comes up as the top result.

“There are testimonials, links to dates and prices and all sorts it’s pretty much jumping the gun.

“We have to think about the people that live there because if we do give this the nod, as per officer recommendations, and you live in that area now you have got this for probably 75% of the weekends forever.

“If we do this we are going to blight the quality of life and sleep of everyone who lives in that area.”

Councillor Terry James, who lives near Lemore Manor and Whitney Court where they hold large wedding events, said he rarely hears of anyone complainign about them.

He said the county was going to be desperate for employment in the hospitality business and he could not support rejecting the scheme.

The committee voted to reject the scheme by eight votes to six.

Joe and Keeley Evans with builder Graham Smith

Crumplebury owners Joe and Keeley Evans said they were devasted by the decision.

“We were simply seeking permission to operate within the parameters of our site description, which was granted planning permission in 2017.

“The planning officer was unequivocal in his support of our application, and our expectation was that this, combined with our comprehensive efforts to address head-on the concerns felt by our neighbours on amenity issues, would have led the committee to support its officers.

“We are grateful to those councillors who acknowledged that these are unprecedented and difficult times and that businesses like ours need support – as well as diverse revenue streams – to survive.

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“It is sad that there was little reflection in the discussion of the positive halo effect Crumplebury has on our community and the wider economic success of the area, given that, as a business, we fiercely promote local producers and celebrate all things Herefordshire.

“Crumplebury has always strived to be a force for good in our community and we have worked tirelessly to create a sustainable space which is both aesthetically beautiful and environmentally sympathetic.

“Pre-Covid, we had been planning a series of events to promote Herefordshire as a dynamic and vibrant destination, from TED talks to national art exhibitions, health and wellbeing retreats and classical music performances.

“We have positively and proactively engaged with our opposers in the community and spent many thousands of pounds implementing proven solutions to satisfy their noise and light complaints. This is our community and we care deeply about it.”

The committee approved separate retrospective plans for Crumplebury to change the use of a barn a from agricultural to an office, the change of use of a riding arena to car park and an access road.