PLANS for a wedding venue in Mobberley have attracted an avalanche of comments to Cheshire East Council, with more than three to one in favour of the scheme.

Up to 50 wedding ceremonies could take place a year at Lady Grey Farm, with Dan Morgan seeking approval from Cheshire East to change the use of a cattle shed at the farm in Lady Lane into a wedding venue.

Mr Morgan runs the nearby Owen House Wedding Barn, and the wedding venue at Lady Grey would be open for ceremonies on Saturdays only, between 10am and midnight. Music would end at midnight. Work on the scheme has already started, and the application is part retrospective.

The application has sparked almost 200 comments on Cheshire East’s planning portal, with about 140 in support and 40 objecting to the scheme, including Mobberley Parish Council.

Many of those backing the scheme are businesses, while those opposing the application are Mobberley residents.

Mobberley Parish Council has raised a series of objections to the scheme, stating: “It is apparent that a lot of work has been completed with the intention of a final change of use application.”

The council said noise from the venue, including music and vehicle, would affect the quality of life for residents, and the increase in traffic flow would create road safety issues.

A resident from Spout Lane said: “I have a big concern with the fact that works have already been carried out.

“It makes a mockery of Green Belt land planning guidelines, and opens the doors for others to go ahead and build on Green Belt land regardless of the rules and regulations.”

A Burleyhurst Lane resident said: “If this application is permitted other retrospective applications in the area, such as the travellers’ site on Broadoak Lane, would also have to be passed.”

A Blakeley Lane resident said: “I anticipate massively increased traffic on the narrow lanes travelling to this venue. The lanes of the area cannot cope with increased traffic.

“Cars will end up being parked on the lanes in the immediate vicinity due to the lack of adequate parking at the proposed venue.”

A resident from Wood Lane said: “We should be championing anything that will bring more jobs, more opportunity and more joy during such uncertain and challenging times.

“I have also worked for the Morgan family at Owen House Wedding Barn on several occasions, and you couldn't wish for a better family to be proposing this.

“They love the community of Mobberley. This venue should be something the community in turn is proud to support.”

A businessperson from Manchester said: “Owen House Wedding Barn have been instrumental in my business flourishing as well as encouraging me to be a part of their greater business plans.

“The prospect of an additional venue opening up under the care, management and auspices of the Owen House team is very exciting.

“I can only imagine the impact on the locality will be positive as they have proven to take great care when growing and expanding their original farm site into a thriving business.”

A wedding photographer in Knutsford said: “In all the weddings I've covered at Owen House Wedding Barn I've been really impressed with the team that run the venue.

“All events are finished and music off by midnight. The have great consideration for their neighbours with regard to sound.”

Cheshire East Council is due to take a decision on the planning application by September 22.