A wedding business between Helston and Falmouth said it has been left "devastated" by a turn of events that means it is having to close, leaving wedding plans in jeopardy.
A growing number of couples who had booked their dream wedding celebrations at Manhay Farm Weddings & Events near Helston have now been sharing their stories of being left with their plans in tatters.
It is after they received an email from Manhay saying that a Cornwall Council decision to deny it temporary events notices had left the venue unable to host future events or weddings.
When the Packet contacted the council, a spokesperson referred to a pre-planning application advice letter sent to the owners of Manhay Farm, which in June had applied to the Cornwall Council to change the use of two agricultural barns and an adjacent field to Class E (commercial use) to allow commercial events use.
The application stated that music and activities would be stopped at 11.30pm at each ceremony to prevent any impact on neighbouring properties.
To date, the venue has been holding events under temporary event notices, but it wanted to get planning permission to host a broader range of events and obtain a full marriage licence.
In an email to one bride, seen by the Packet, the venue said it had previously submitted an application to the council just before Christmas last year, but had been advised to withdraw it and apply for planning permission.
It said it engaged a professional planning consultant, with a request made for pre-application advice before a formal planning proposal was submitted.
It had planned to continue hosting events and celebrant-led ceremonies under temporary event notices until next year while completing the full planning process.
However, Manhay said that while this was happening the owners were informed on September 28 that complaints from a neighbouring property about noise and increased traffic had led to the council’s decision to deny further TENs (Temporary Events Notice).
In an email sent to one couple, which has also been seen by the Packet, Manhay confirmed that as a result, the venue was closing.
It states: "The council has informed us that they will deny temporary events notices for the coming year, effectively preventing us from hosting any future events or weddings.
"Therefore we will have to close the business.
"We are devastated by this turn of events and understand the significant impact this will have on you and your wedding plans."
In another email sent to the couples who had booked their ceremonies at the venue, the owners of Manhay said that they “have done everything possible to prevent the closure” and offered them a list of alternative venues across the Duchy.
“Since receiving the unexpected news about the rejected TENS, which means we can no longer hold events legally, we have been working diligently to manage the unavoidable closure of the business,” Manhay said in the email.
“We are assisting all affected couples in transitioning to alternative venues.”
One bride, who said she had booked her wedding just two weeks before being told it would have to be cancelled, said she was told by Manhay that she wouldn’t be able to have her deposit back.
The email said: “While I wish we could refund the £1,000 you have paid, the council's decision and the resulting financial constraints prevent us from offering direct refunds.”
The news of the venue’s closure has spread rapidly on social media pages, with many couples sharing their situation on Facebook.
“My heart goes out to all those whose weddings are only a couple / few months away. One lady was there just two weeks ago measuring for bunting,” one bride said.
One post said: “I’m thinking of you all, can’t begin to imagine how you are all feeling.”
Another added: “We booked September 2023 after their wedding fair and were due to get married in May next year.”
In a letter shared with Manhay, Cornwall Council's pre-application advice had raised several concerns regarding the proposed planning application.
The planning officer said in his conclusion: "The benefits of the scheme are noted in terms of providing a service as well as the economic benefits in terms of local facilities.
"However, these benefits are considered to be limited. It is considered that the harm from the scheme outweighs these benefits such that in conclusion the proposal would not be supported and I would not encourage the submission of a planning application."
These documents can be found on Cornwall Council’s planning portal with the reference: PA24/00702/PREAPP
The Packet has attempted to contact Manhay Farm Weddings & Events via phone, email and on its social media pages for comment.
- If you have been affected by this and want to share your story, email kate.lockett@newsquest.co.uk
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