Controversial plans for tipi wedding venue in Staffordshire scrapped after outcry
Controversial plans for a tipi wedding venue in the Staffordshire countryside have been withdrawn after dozens of people raised concerns.
Lincolnshire-based Kata Tipis Ltd wanted to put up tipis on farmland at Elford Heath, near Eccleshall, for seven months each year to host nuptial celebrations.
The plans were welcomed by a number of businesses and residents who hoped the venue would boost business for nearby B&Bs, hotels, restaurants and florists.
But many others living in the area did not approve due to noise and traffic concerns.
The news the application had been withdrawn was welcomed by members of the Stop the Wedding Venue at Elford Heath group, which was set up to fight the plans.
Peter Jones, who represents Eccleshall on Stafford Borough Council, said: “Following over 100 objections to the application it is hoped that the level of strength in neighbours’ objections played a part in the withdrawal.
“Perhaps people power can be used to good effect sometimes, even in planning matters.”
An email sent to Stafford Borough Council ahead of the application withdrawal said: “The applicant is considering what next steps to take on this site given the level of objection and the amount of additional information that is likely to be required.”
Ceremonies were not intended to take place at the venue – described in a planning statement “a low-key temporary event space to host weddings during the summer season.”
Kata Tipis Ltd wanted to create an "attractive wedding venue" in a rural location. Bosses said there would be no more than three events per week during the summer – around 30-40 per season.
One resident living nearby, who asked not to be named, said: “The location is geographically totally inappropriate for this intended use. It is serviced by single track roads with passing places. The increase in traffic volume will cause significant risks and safety issues to motorists and other road users in the surrounding areas .
“The Birdy Song blasting out across the countryside at 23.50 is no laughing matter! A tent provides no sound insulation whatsoever and lets be honest there will be no way of limiting the volume output of the music.
“If this amount of noise was raised in a town street late at night the police would be called out. The music volume alone, without the screaming and fighting, will be more akin to an outdoor rave.
“Seriously this is not the place for a wedding venue. It would upset lots of people who appreciate the tranquillity of the countryside and want to live there for that very reason.”
A fellow Eccleshall resident said: “Another wedding venue in this part of Staffordshire is unnecessary. There are already plenty of permanent venues with good facilities."
But a Stafford resident who supported the application said: “This is a great opportunity to create business from otherwise low yield fields that provide very little to the economy. The talk of disturbance to neighbours is just a nimby (not in my back yard) response by neighbours. Three days and nights a week out of seven, but not all year.
“The roads could be widened and street lightning installed. It may even be a site for concerts in the future. Great access off the M6. I’m sure there were objections from the nimbys of Glastonbury and Knebworth once.”
