The barn in the Lake District that is to become a permanent wedding venue

Part of a farming site in the Lake District is set to become a permanent wedding venue. Plans to convert a barn in a bid ‘to secure the long term future’ of a farm are set to be given the go-ahead.

Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority are recommended to approve plans from Mr and Mrs Hodgson to transform a barn at Rydal Farm into a wedding venue. According to planning documents, the building is not suitable for modern agriculture as it neither provides adequate housing for animals under current standards, nor does it have suitable access for modern farm machinery.

There are more suitable agricultural buildings on the farm and the building has not been in use for agricultural purposes for many years, planning documents add. The planning and heritage statement says: “As with most farming operations, particularly in the Lake District, there is a need to generate additional income to support the ongoing farming operations.

“The Hodgsons are keen to ensure that any scheme to provide additional income would not comprise the ongoing operation of the farm.” The Hodgsons farm sheep and beef, both of which systems remain under pressure with the continuing reduction in Government subsidy since the UK withdrew from the EU, the planning statement adds.

Plans show the proposed development involves no significant alterations being made to the building which has already hosted weddings with up to 160 guests in attendance.

Noise control measures have also been proposed by the applicant. In recommending approval, planning officers said: “The use of Rydal Farm as a wedding venue could have a detrimental impact on local amenity and character, by reason of the activities associated with the use and in particular vehicles, and the noise arising from guests, in an otherwise quiet and tranquil setting.

“However the mitigation measures proposed would reduce the impacts of the development to an acceptable level. The proposal would also provide diversification to an existing agricultural business.”

The application will be discussed by members of the development control committee at Murley Moss in Kendal on July 3.