Plans to turn a “modern” barn on farmland into a wedding and events venue have been rejected amid concerns over noise and traffic.
Three residents objected to plans from Julia Riley – owner of Longage Manor Farm in Lyminge – who sought permission from Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to use her building as a small events space called The Barn.
Hoping to host weddings, corporate events and community activities at the site off Longage Hill, Ms Riley wanted to create a “small premier venue”, but her scheme has now been rejected over wastewater fears.
According to the application, weddings would have taken place about once every four to six weeks finishing at midnight, with a small number of other weekly events including team-building workshops, training days, and charity or community gatherings.
Ms Riley had also said the building could also be used by Age UK “to support local village initiatives” after its Lyminge branch was forced to close last year.
But the desire to hold evening receptions in the rural spot had attracted stiff opposition from some neighbours concerned about noise and traffic.
In submitting his objection, neighbour John Thompson wrote: “The noise impact assessment does not take into account the actual disturbance that indoor discos and live bands can have in a rural setting even at a distance.
“In the summertime when residential properties will have their windows open, even low-level decibels can have an impact.
“I am concerned this will be an issue when there are small children in a property. I have my grandchildren stay overnight.
“Midnight is a long time coming when there is a constant bass from music or voices shouting over music.”
In her objection comment, Val Higgins feared the roads in the area “may not be equipped” to handle more traffic.
She added further concerns over noise, saying: “The nature of wedding venues typically involves amplified music, large gatherings, and extended hours of operation, especially during weekends.
“This raises significant concerns about potential noise pollution and general disturbance, which could adversely affect the peaceful enjoyment of my home and the surrounding neighbourhood.
“As we also have livestock on our land we worry about the negative effects this could have on them.”
In planning documents, Ms Riley said the site offered “ample parking provision” as a 690 sq m car park would have space for 40 vehicles, two minibuses and four disabled bays.
On noise concerns, she said the nearest home is more than 500 metres away from the site.
“The Barn is situated on a farm,” she said.
“Our home is across the driveway from The Barn, and the noise of teenage parties has not been heard in our house.
“The Barn has hosted many parties/celebrations/events in line with our existing planning permission, and noise has never been a problem.”
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
Despite neighbours’ fears, it was concerns over drainage plans that ultimately led council planners to turn down the application.
The authority explained: “The application provides no technical information to demonstrate that adequate foul drainage facilities would be provided to serve the proposed change of use.
“In the absence of this information, FHDC is unable to demonstrate the proposal can manage wastewater in a manner that would not result in an unacceptable risk or detrimental impact to groundwater quality.”
Planning by Design, which put the application together on behalf of Ms Riley, was contacted for comment.
