A decision over a north Cumbrian wedding venue’s request to keep its marquee for two more years has been delayed because a planned site visit was cancelled due to the snow.
Dalston Hall Hotel’s planning application had been recommended for refusal and it was due to be discussed at the Civic Centre in Carlisle by members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee today, Wednesday January 8.
Members of the committee were scheduled to visit the hall before they met, but due to the severe weather, the site visit was called off.
It was proposed that the decision be deferred and six members voted in favour to carry the motion.
The hotel, which is run by the Gilchrist Collection, applied to extend temporary permission for the structure, which was initially approved in 2014.
The application first sought permission to keep the marquee for four additional years but later reduced this request to two.
The 450sq m marquee, is towards the eastern boundary of the hall and outside its formal gardens.
The council received 25 objections to the application. with concerns including noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour and sewage problems.
Initially the marquee was used for around 25 to 30 events annually, mainly held on a Saturday. The increased frequency in events being held within the marquee has now exceeded what was originally anticipated and has amplified the negative impacts, the report said.
Events held at Dalston Hall Hotel between March 9 and October 30 this year received 49 separate objections from Dalston Hall Holiday Park, the report added.
It said: “It should be noted that no complaints were received prior to the erection of the marquee when events were being held solely within the main hotel building.”
One comment supported the application, arguing the marquee and its associated functions did not cause noise disturbances.
The comment also backed the ongoing maintenance of the hall, its successful management, and the benefits it brings to the local area.
Initially, the marquee hosted around 25 to 30 events annually, mainly on Saturdays.
It is understood that a new site visit will be arranged for members and the application could be debated at the next committee meeting.
