Agricultural barn near protected landscape could become wedding venue

Dale Spridgeon, Local Democracy Reporter

An agricultural barn could be transformed into a wedding and events venue for up to 60 guests under plans submitted to a Welsh council.

The building, near Amlwch on Anglesey, is around 700 metres from the Mynydd Parys Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), known for its striking landscape and its history as a major copper mining site.

Anglesey County Council is considering an application to change the use of the existing barn and stables and build a small extension providing toilet, welfare and storage facilities.

The application says conversion of the barn/stables could offer “a unique wedding venue with a maximum cover for up to 60 guests”.

It also suggests the scheme could help boost island tourism and the local economy by increasing the use of local businesses such as florists, hairdressers and taxis.

The full planning application has been made by Steve Blackthorn through the agent Delyth Owen, of Owen Planning Services.

It calls for the agricultural building to be converted into a wedding and function venue together with the installation of a private treatment plant and associated development.

“This planning application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of an existing building (barn/stables) into an intimate wedding and function venue,” the plans say.

“The development includes the erection of a modest extension to allow space for toilet/welfare facilities.

“The existing barn consists of a steel frame and box profile sheeting, and it is considered to be in keeping with other agricultural style barns found locally, in terms of scale and design.

“The proposed extension will utilise a space currently used as a chicken coop and run. The proposed extension will accommodate toilet and storage facilities to compliment the proposed use.”

It states that both vehicular and pedestrian access is via a private access which serves an existing mechanical garage. Access is off the B5111 along approximately 300m of unclassified highway.

The details note that weddings and functions will “typically take place on weekends, when the mechanical garage is closed for business”. The site would also be managed by the applicant and family.

The business plans details note: “The venue will operate on a limited number of days per year, with strict controls on noise, traffic and operating hours to protect residential amenity and the rural character of the area.

“The applicant’s focus will be on the wedding sector; however, they recognise that the space could be used to facilitate various other functions and modest gatherings such as birthday parties and staff parties.

“The majority of the applicant’s research and business plan is based on using the space as a wedding venue.”

‘Sought after’

The plans added that “weddings remain a significant tourism and events market” and states that venues such as rural barns are “widely sought after”.

They added: “Industry trends suggest that once established, such venues average between 30 and 50 bookings per year.

“Providing an additional wedding venue will add to the local economy, as wedding guest may seek local services such as accommodation, taxis, hairdressers, dress makers, etc.

“The wedding itself will require local services such as caterers, florists and evening entertainment again feeding into the local economy.”

The applicant also plans to appoint a local photographer or videographer.

The details conclude: “The proposal makes good use of the vacant building and requires only minor extensions to facilitate the proposed development.”

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