A controversial application for the Marquis in Layham for an extension to provide additional banqueting, bedrooms and a wellness centre has been approved by Babergh planners today.

Councillors voted nine to one in favour of accepting the officers' recommendation for approval, despite the weight of public opinion against the proposals. The committee also voted by the same number in favour to allow changes to the Grade II listed building under a separate application.

An application was made last year for the erection of extensions to provide additional facilities including reception, banquet hall, wellness centre and additional bedrooms, along with a change of use of agricultural land to create new car parking and formal gardens, including the removal of the existing over spill car parking and associated landscaping works.

The planning committee heard how there were concerns over the size, design, light pollution, parking and traffic issues, but Babergh councillors were satisfied all the issues would be mitigated and welcomed the financial investment and increased employment opportunities into the district.

Layham parish council spokesman John Curran and Richard Cranfield made a statement behalf of those against the scheme, with the council receiving letters of objection from 84 different households.

Mr Curran pointed out 50 letters opposing the application came from villagers, with only three villagers writing in supportive letters.

He said: "The extension would change the character of the village and would bring increased noise, light pollution and traffic. As a parish council agree with our residents that the proposals would make Layham and less desirable to live.

"Our main objection to the proposals is the size of the venue, which would dominate the skyline and increase noise other pollutants to our quiet village."

He spoke of concerns about parking, the noise from guests leaving the venue would be unacceptable, and there were fears about increased traffic and speeding along the B1070.

He added: "The current size and activities benefit to the village but the proposals are disproportionate to the village's size. While offering possible job creation it would be the detriment to the character and bring unwanted noise light pollution and road traffic."

However, Linda Keenan who lives close to the Marquis at Layham Hall, insisted she had no complaints about noise or the light pollution currently emanating from the Marquis and supported the applications.

She said: "I can honestly say have never been disturbed or even much aware, by any of the activities at the Marquis and I'm surprised at the objections because the way I read the proposals, the expansion would substantially improve some of the shortcomings."

Mr Cranfield questioned the financial viability of the Marquis, and the sustainability of the business and the wedding model.

Steven O'Leary, co-owner of the Marquis, and a director of the Marquis of Cornwallis Ltd, addressed planning officers answered questions arising and addressed Mr Cranfield's comments about the finances.

He said: The turnover and the profitability of the Marquis has improved year on year and the last full financial year's figures shows there is a profit of £7,000, not fantastic... but we are going the right direction. I would not be proposing an extension, which will costa a few million, if I didn't think we could succeed."

During his three minute statement Mr O'Leary said: "It has been apparent for a while we needed other reasons why people from outside the area would come and stay here and we have worked to design a building that would support itself and the restaurant."

Mr O'Leary confirmed the staffing levels are expected to double to 20-40 full time, and 25 to 50 part-time employees. Staff accommodation was based at nearby Windy Ridge, although the majority of workers came from nearby Layham, Hadleigh East Bergholt, Raydon, same as where they come from now.

He also assured members that tree planting was always going to increase and he was working closely with ecologist. He also made clear no fireworks were, or would be allowed, as there were many horses stabled nearby.

More details of the application can be found here