A HOTEL has been given permission to extend its ballroom to allow it to cater for more functions.

Bowburn Hall Hotel says the development will create seven jobs and will cater for weddings and conferences.

Several neighbours of the hotel attended a planning meeting at County Hall to object to the expansion because of concerns over noise.

The hotel has agreed a noise management plan to improve the situation.

Resident Sydney Scarr said: "We don't believe this can be controlled because it never has in the past. We don't believe the proposal they are putting forward that they can carry it out."

Councillor Maura McKeon said: "I'm quite proud we have a business like Bowburn Hall - it's great to see it thrive - but there are serious concerns, in particular with the noise management plan.

"We are dealing with a large number of people who are going to be having alcohol and dancing late at night."

Architect John White said the larger ballroom would mean less noise because equipment could be turned to face away from homes.

Hotel manager Charlie Eedle said: "We take very seriously what residents' concerns are and we are working closely with event partners to minimise disruption.

"We believe it will only be of benefit to Bowburn."

Environmental health officers attended the meeting to assure councillors that the authority would be able to enforce the plan.

Cllr Owen Temple said: "I think we would be right going forward in the expectation we will have done no harm and may have assisted in improving the situation."