Sent: 08 May 2018 10:51
To: lorraine@gilestoncoachhouse.co.uk
Subject: Gileston Community
Good Morning Lorraine,
Thank you for your time this morning.
As discussed, the residents of the village have some concerns regarding your proposed change of use to Wedding & Events Venue.
For clarity I have listed initial thoughts below –
1. Access to/from venue
We are concerned that the arrival and departure of large volumes of vehicles, caterers, photographers, guests etc en-masse will cause traffic chaos and safety issue to the residents and other business such as the riding school.
The Cenotaph crossroads is a known accident blackspot, with regular collisions and incidents and not designed/laid out for high volume traffic. The plans show that access to the main rear car park will be down into the centre of the village and towards the cemetery, which is mainly single traffic with passing.
The comparable site used by the transport consultant ‘Keythorpe Manor’ is situated directly on the A47 and benefits from double drive access directly on the main road, in our opinion this is not a valid or direct comparison.
a. How will traffic be controlled to ensure that disruption is negated and safety maintained?
b. Where will vehicle number 68+ park?
c. The transport statement mentions a ‘peak of 28 vehicles per hour’ – which indicates guests are expected to arrive over a 2 hour period and then later depart over another 2 hour period – really?
d. Surely it would be logical to have a guest car park at the north of your site.
2. Noise / nuisance / security
I understand you have carried out all due diligence noise testing, however the village is home to a preponderance of elderly residents, as well as many residents who work from home.
Living with the prospect of consistent noise up until midnight 7 days per week is of great concern, as it could affect both residents personal wellbeing, businesses and the tranquillity of the village.
a. Request that the midnight curfew be reduced
b. Request that the 7-day operation be reduced
c. What time will music broadcasting commence and end?
d. What ratio of security staff / guest will be employed to police drunken revellers
I also note that your application document (Transport statement page 6) states a number of 180 guests, which is somewhat higher than 120 guests you mentioned. Request that the maximum number of guests be reduced.
As I mentioned, the residents fully understand that heavy investment has been made in the property and grounds and required it be economically balanced. The residents however cherish the village, with many having lived here all their lives, and do not wish to see the ambiance and community spirit destroyed.
In hindsight, it may have benefited all concerned to have discussed such a huge impact on our lives before we were notified by VOG planning, complete with the inherent deadline for our views.
Look forward to your thoughts and hope we can all work together to find a compromise.
PS: We appear to have a number of email address’ for you, please confirm your preferred.
Regards
Lorna Shord