Torridge wedding venue is granted licence

But conditions put in place to stop noise disturbance

A wedding venue in Torridge has been granted a licence to operate but won’t be allowed to serve alcohol or play music after 11pm.

The owner of Honey Meadow Retreat at Higher Northcott, Ashreigney Harriet Minden Wilson, admitted there was insufficient supervision and music was played too loud and too late on two occasions this summer, which resulted in complaints.

She had been holding weddings at the rural venue under a temporary licence after diversifying from a holiday letting business two years ago and had applied to Torridge District Council for a permanent licence for year-round events.

She wanted to serve alcohol, late night refreshments and play live and recorded music indoors and outdoors until 2am.

But 18 neighbours objected, mainly because of concerns about the noise.

One resident said the music was so loud and intrusive on one occasion that there was no way of getting to sleep.

Torridge District Council’s licensing sub committee granted the licence until 11pm on Friday and Saturdays between 1 May and 30 September.

Cllr Simon Newton (Con, Winkleigh) said he had spoken with Ms Minden Wilson who clearly understood the concerns of residents and the need to avoid unreasonable disturbance whilst at the same time needing to run a viable business.

She had diversified to a wedding venue after a slump in lettings for her three holiday cottages after the pandemic.

One of the concerns Cllr Newton heard was that the licence application was for alcohol and entertainment from noon to 2am, 365 days a year.

“Ms Minden Wilson said that difficulty in completing the licence application resulted in the apparent 24/7/365 request although this was never the intention – her business is seasonal and nearly all the bookings she has had to date have been on Saturdays,” he said.

“She has held her hands up and accepted that the noise levels were too high on the two occasions which gave rise to complaints and has told me she has put in measures to prevent a reoccurrence.

“She says she has been on a learning curve since she started doing weddings last year. She has held nine weddings this year and apart from the two occasions mentioned neighbouring residents have not really been aware of the small weddings that have taken place in the courtyard and farm at all.”

The owner plans to create a car park in one of her fields next year as currently vehicles park on a wide private verge.

Cllr Newton said the restrictions on the licence make it a good result for all concerned.