PERMISSION is being sought to turn the grounds of an historic hall into an events venue capable of hosting wedding parties.

A change of use planning application has been submitted to remodel part of the walled garden at Helperby Hall to enable it to house a marquee for events.

The development would include a new entrance point to the walled garden, a car park of up to 70 spaces and the demolition of lean-to greenhouses and a ménage currently in the grounds.

Helperby Parish Council has objected to the application over fears that high volumes of traffic using the new access point would negatively affect nearby residents.

Concerns have also been taken into account over possible noise disturbance caused by events running in the marquee into the night.

However, the scheme has been recommended for approval in a report prepared for Hambleton District Council’s planning committee which is set to consider the application this week.

The report notes that the benefits of the scheme - which include restoration and repair work to historic features of the walled garden - outweigh any potential harm caused to the site.

It also points out the economic benefits of a new events venue that would create new jobs.

The report adds: “No other alternative use has been identified for the walled garden.

“It appears that the scope for beneficial use of the walled garden other than as part of a visitor attraction to places such as a stately home or as a horticultural nursery is greatly limited.”

The walled garden is thought to date from the late 19th or early 20th century but has been built in the Georgian style.

The Victorian Society welcomes the principle of the proposal as it would result much-needed repairs to the fabric of the walled garden.

North Yorkshire County Council archaeologists also state that broadly the proposals are unlikely to have a major impact on archaeological remains, but elements that include ground reduction and levelling should have a mitigation scheme in place.

If the application is approved, a number of conditions have been suggested.

These include a limit of no more than 45 events to finish after 8pm between March and October and all music and amplified noise for those 45 events must cease by 11.45pm.

The same conditions would apply to ten events held in the grounds between November 1 and February 28.