Contentious wedding licence granted

Contentious plans to hold weddings at a luxury holiday home in Monmouthshire have been approved despite fierce local objections.

Noise nuisance, antisocial behaviour and public safety concerns were raised by Llanhennock residents in relation to the proposals tabled by the owners of Woodbank.

The premises licence granted by Monmouthshire council will allow for up to 15 weddings – and a maximum of 200 guests – at the venue, but no more than 10 events during July and August.

Alcohol would be sold seven days a week indoors until midnight and until 11pm outside on the veranda. Live music will be allowed indoors until 12.30am and until 11pm outside.

The conditions had been amended from an original submission by the applicant Bess Aprou following objections from the licensing authority and Gwent Police.

But a hearing on March 5 heard from several villagers still standing against the plans, including Caroline Thomas.

“We do not feel that the applicant has taken on board any views of the community even though almost every household has objected,” said Mrs Thomas.

“Woodbank as an entertainment venue would put further strain on [police] resources if any incidents require a police presence.

“A limit to [the number of] events will mean hundreds of guests attending during the summer making it impossible to open windows or doors without being subjected to party noise.”

Owen Evans, a local dairy farmer, said excess traffic caused by Woodbank guests would impact his business during harvesting months.

Other residents feared walkers, cyclists and young children using surrounding ‘narrow’ lanes could be put at risk by more cars being on the road.

Alan Thomas, a lifelong Llanhennock resident, added that people had ‘made sacrifices’ to move to the area to enjoy its ‘peace and tranquillity’.

But Martin Jones, the solicitor representing Mrs Aprou, argued there was ‘sufficient’ distance between where the music would be played and the nearest neighbouring houses.

Noise management controls had also been approved by the council’s environmental health team, including pre-approving live bands to ensure song choices would cause excessive noise generation or crowd involvement.

“The intention is not to radically change the way in which the business operates,” said Mr Jones.

“Until five years ago the applicants were living there. It’s contributing to the local economy. Mrs Aprou is going to be hands on.

“[Woodbank] won’t be used for events when there are existing bookings for accommodations.”

Mr Jones added that vehicles using the site would park on Woodbank’s 300-yard drive, with taxis collecting guests from inside the grounds.

But one resident claimed Woodbank’s new use would turn Llanhennock into a ‘riotous place’.

An application to change the building’s use to accommodate its new licensable activities, including lunches, meetings and seminars, will be considered in the coming months.