Wedding barn gets approval despite noise concerns
A wedding and events venue, Green Grove Farm, near Llangadog, has finally been granted planning permission by Carmarthenshire Council, following concerns over noise levels impacting a nearby residential centre for young adults. The venue, 260m away from Glasallt Fawr, had faced objections from ten parents, stating that their highly sensitised young adults, including those with conditions like acute autism and Down’s syndrome, were disturbed by noise from events held at the barn under temporary notices. Despite these objections, after implementing noise mitigation measures, there have been no further complaints.
During the council’s planning committee meeting, arguments were presented by planning agent Richard Banks, representing Glasallt Fawr, and applicant Carwyn Rees from Green Grove Farm. Banks highlighted instances of excessive noise from events held previously, which had led to the rejection of Green Grove Farm’s initial planning application in December 2023. Concerns were raised about the impact of live music continuing past 10pm and the lack of noise insulation on the barn’s roof. Additionally, questions were raised about the effectiveness of managing noise by simply closing windows and doors.
In response, Carwyn Rees stated that significant sound-proofing work had been carried out at the venue, along with improvements to the noise management plan. He emphasised that the over 20 events held under temporary notices had not received any complaints, and steps had been taken to plant trees to help screen noise. While acknowledging the initial underestimation of noise levels, Rees highlighted the benefits these events brought to local businesses and the efforts made to inform guests about noise constraints.
Concerns were also raised about the impact of wind direction on noise propagation, the timing of music cessation in the evenings, and the history of complaints related to events. It was clarified that live music stops at 10pm, recorded music ends at midnight (at least 10 decibels lower than live music), and amplified music outdoors is restricted after 8pm. Notably, there had only been one complaint received prior to the current planning application, suggesting that recent improvements had addressed previous noise issues to some extent.
A senior environmental health officer highlighted that some improvements were evident, with reduced noise levels detected during a recent visit. The recommendation to approve the retrospective application for converting the barn into a wedding and events venue, subject to conditions including strict adherence to the noise management plan and noise-limiting devices on amplifiers, received majority approval from the committee, with one dissenting vote and two abstentions.
Green Grove Farm, which also offers holiday let accommodation, obtained a premises license for the events business from the council last month. Following the decision, Carwyn Rees expressed delight at securing planning and licensing approvals, underscoring the potential for local employment opportunities and the positive reception from clients during trial events held in 2024. The venue aims to showcase local Welsh food and artists, offering a unique event experience to future couples.
Overall, the resolution of noise concerns and the approval granted to Green Grove Farm signify a positive outcome for the wedding and events business, balancing the interests of the local community with the economic opportunities provided by the venue. With rigorous noise management measures in place and a commitment to local partnerships, the barn is set to be a promising addition to the region’s event hosting landscape.