AN 18th CENTURY hall is to become a bespoke wedding and celebration venue for up to 10 events a year – despite opposition from some hamlet residents.

Easby Hall,  in Easby, near Richmond, won approval from Richmondshire District Council planning committee to host 10 indoor events a year.

John and Karen Clarke took on the Grade II* listed building, which dates from about 1730, as a restoration project and over the last eight years have transformed it into a home with a three-bed guest house.

After hosting three weddings at the hall last year without planning permission, residents of Easby voiced concerns that noise levels would disturb the peace of the village and that increased traffic would pose a danger on the narrow roads.

A close neighbour of the hall, told the planning committee she thought the plans would lead to Easby being commercially exploited.

She added: “Having experienced the outcome of previous events it is clear that effective control of guests is impossible.”

Mr Clarke said he did not realise planning permission was necessary to hold indoor events, but when he did he stopped without waiting for the council to enforce him to do so.

He added: “The majority of our neighbours do not object to our plans – only six of the26 homes in Easby contacted the council with two or more letters from the same address.”

Planning officer Peter Featherstone said: “Easby Hall owners have had their own sound test done and found music played inside cannot be heard outdoors – and there will be stipulation that windows are kept closed during events.

“Highways officers found the road and junctions met safety requirements and said although it has a 60 miles per hour speed limit, local traffic surveys indicated an average speed of 37mph – and after running a second test on the road were satisfied with visibility.”

Mr Featherstone added that allowing the events would bring economic benefits to the area, with wedding guests using Richmond and Easby accommodation, and local wedding service firms being employed.

He added: “Looking at all potential impacts we are satisfied that a package of measure can be put in place so events can take place without effecting neighbours.”

Planning committee members approved the application with nine in favour and one against.