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27
Aug
Objections mount to Copt Hewick Hall events plan
Hewick and Hutton Parish Council and dozens of residents have objected to plans to convert part of Copt Hewick Hall, near Ripon, into an events venue.
The Stray Ferret revealed last month that owner Valeria Sykes has submitted plans to use part of the hall and its 86-acre grounds for up to 79 events a year.
Ms Sykes, who also owns nearby Grantley Hall, hopes to put on car events and weddings at the 18th century country house. A marquee would be erected in the walled garden and extra car parking created.
North Yorkshire Council, the planning authority, will decide whether to approve the application.
Its public consultation on the plans has so far attracted 38 objections and no expressions of support.
Hewick and Hutton Parish Council told North Yorkshire Council:
The parish council cannot see any positive impact of this proposal and strongly feels it would be to the detriment of Copt Hewick.
An increase in traffic is inevitable and will have a severe impact on Copt Hewick and poses a serious risk to the safety of residents.
Copt Hewick resident Rob Cowen said the plans amounted to “the insertion of a year-round commercial events business into the heart of a small, quiet rural village”, adding: “This is a commercial operation of a scale the village cannot absorb.”
Lisa Alder described the location as “wholly unsuitable” and Emma Dobbie said it would lead to “severe conflict with horse riders and cyclists”. Nigel Woolfenden, of nearby Hutton Conyers, said: “These roads are totally unsuitable for the additional events-related traffic.”
Economic boost
But not everyone is opposed to the scheme.
As part of its consultation, the council contacts statutory consultees for their views. They include the council’s highways department, which said it had no objections.
The council’s economic development team gave the same verdict, adding:
The proposal has potential to support the diversification of an existing rural estate and contribute positively to the visitor economy through increased event activity and associated visitor expenditure. Whilst no quantified evidence has been provided regarding employment creation or wider economic outputs, the proposal is generally consistent with local and regional economic growth objectives that support sustainable business activity, rural diversification and visitor economy development.
A noise impact assessment completed on behalf of Ms Sykes predicted the plan would have “no adverse impact”.
The council verdict is expected by September 15.
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