HOTEL bosses have told couples not to panic over a wedding venue, despite being denied planning permission for its marquee.

Hallgarth Golf and Country Club Hotel at Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, was yesterday told its bid to renew permission for the marquee for five months a year had been refused.

The hotel has been holding wedding receptions in its marquee since 1995.

However councillors at yesterday's Darlington Borough Council planning applications committee heard there had been a history of noise complaints coming from the marquee.

The meeting heard that complaints from the residents of properties nearby had intensified "to a point where it is now considered that it would be inappropriate to renew this temporary permission for a second time".

The council received five letters of objection to the proposals. A petition with 33 signatures was also received.

Last night, hotel bosses said they were working with the council in a bid to cut noise levels to an acceptable standard, and said that couples should not worry that their weddings could not go ahead at the venue.

Vince Johnson, manager at the hotel, said: "We are disappointed with the decision of the planning committee, and we are awaiting official notification of their decision.

"We are still working with the environmental health officers to reduce noise levels.

"We are looking at reapplying with an alternative and amended plan of terms and conditions, or to appeal against this decision.

"We are confident no one will be let down. There are still a number of avenues left for us to look in to.