PLANS to host weddings at medieval village have been given the green light by planners.

The change of use of the Tithe and Reeves barns at Cosmeston Medieval Village to enable them to host weddings and civil marriages went before Vale council planning committee last night (April 27) and was recommended for approval by officers.

The plans were deferred at the last Vale council planning committee meeting in March for a site visit to take place.

The proposals are part of the local authority's plans to bring in commercial activities to the country park to generate income and secure its future

The council invited tenders to put forward their suggestions and so far ideas that have been considered include wakeboarding, mountain biking, an ice cream parlour.

The application was called in for determination by Cllr Bob Penrose because Sully and Lavernock Community Council and numerous residents have concerns about inadequate parking for attendees of the functions, that the function would limit the opening time for the medieval village, the noise of the functions disturbing local residents, that it would detract from tranquillity of the country park and the everyday operation of the medieval village and that buildings proposed not suitable for the commercial purpose applied for.

But officers have recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions including the implementation of access improvements and that no wedding ceremonies take place on bank holidays.

Cllr Maureen Kelly-Owen said a requirement should be added for security to be provided by the hirer of the barns and associated parts of the country park to ensure their safe and proper use.

Cllr Michael Garland said the proposal would compromise the site as a visitor and tourist attraction, put pressure on available car parking and be a nuisance to nearby residents and present safety issues.

The report states that only one civil marriage event will take place at any one time and that it is anticipated that the site will host approximately 10 civil ceremonies per year.

The venue will be available for use seven days a week but it is anticipated that the majority of civil marriage events will take place between Friday and Sunday, between 9am and 5pm.

It also states that he organisation of any civil marriage events will be managed by countryside services staff insuring that licensing and permissions are obtained; no equipment capable of producing amplified sound will be used in a way to cause nuisance, only emergency vehicles will be allowed into the area on which the event is taking place; and the parking of all vehicles, other than emergency vehicles, shall be restricted to designated parking places.