LANDOWNER Richard Wilding is looking to host wedding receptions at Cherry Orchard Farm at Oakmere next summer.

Mr Wilding is seeking planning approval to site marquees and tepees on land at Abbey Lane between May and August 2016.

Sand was extracted from the land between 1993 and 2014, and the restoration of the area saw the creation of a lake.

Since extraction ended Mr Wilding has sought to establish an alternative means of generating income from the land, and has been exploring the option of event hosting.

“The applicant has been considered and cautious in the approach to developing this business to ensure it is a viable and feasible option,” said Civitas Planning in a report accompanying the application.

“This application therefore proposes only a temporary change of use, and seeks permission for the temporary siting of marquees/tepees between May 1 and August 31, 2016.

“In addition to establishing a farm fishery, the creation of the lake and terracing of the landform provides an attractive outlook and has created a level surface on which events can be held.

“Under the 28 day rule the applicant has held a number of trial events over the past four years, mainly wedding receptions, to establish if such events are a viable and feasible means of agricultural diversification.

“Having undertaken significant research, planning and trial events the applicant is now in a position to develop the events element of the business and move this onto the next stage.”

Civitas said the application being for a temporary period would allow the opportunity to further explore the viability of hosting events, and when trial events were held residents were kept informed.

Permission is sought for marquees and tepees to cater for different needs.

“Some brides have favoured a series of interlinked tepees, some a large marquee, some a smaller marquee for a drinks reception alongside a larger one hosting the wedding breakfast,” said Civitas.

Events would not start before 1pm, the music and bar would end at midnight, and guests would have left the site by 1am. There would be 80 to 90 guests during the day and up 150 in the evening.

“The applicant is not proposing a permanent change of use nor permanent venue,” said Civitas.

“This does not fit with the applicant’s long-term aspirations for the site at this stage. This element of the agricultural business must be grown at a sustainable rate.”