A PLAN to increase the number of events such as weddings held at a historic hall hotel have been recommended for approval, despite strong local opposition.

Hambleton District Council planning officers said an application to stage a further ten events a year for up to a maximum of 40 people within the grounds of Rudby Hall would not have a “significant harmful impact” on the quality of life of residents in Skutterskelfe, near Stokesley.

Restrictions at the hall currently sets a limit of eight events a year for up to 150 people. A spokesman for the hotel said a need had been identified to accommodate smaller, more intimate events and the proposed area for smaller events would be further away from neighbouring residential properties.

However, the parish council has called for the scheme to be rejected, and has claimed Rudby Hall was “supposed to be a small country house hotel”, but has not been run as such.

The application has also drawn 17 objections, citing highway and noise issues.