Plans to create a “destination wedding venue” at a farm have been refused after concerns were raised by local residents about the increase in traffic and noise.

The owners of Sproxton Hall Farm in Sproxton, had applied to Ryedale District Council (RDC) for a change of use for buildings on the land to host weddings.

However, more than 80 objections to the plans were made and members of RDC's planning committee refused the proposal as they felt the potential disturbance to neighbours was too great.

Cllr Michael Cleary said it was a shame to refuse the change of use but there was now no choice for the committee.

He said: “It is an outstanding application and all other things being equal it would be something we would enjoy looking at and it would benefit the area.

“But the traffic is an overwhelming problem and if the business is successful, it would attract hundreds of vehicles. It is just not on.”

Cllr Mike Potter added: “Under most circumstances this would be an acceptable application, certainly in regard to farm diversification and employment. Unfortunately, the location is unsuitable for such a venue.

He said: “I would suggest that it is unwise to highlight the quiet rural location as being a key attraction when up to 220 people are expected to make merry and arrive and depart at roughly the same time, through a small linear village with a single torturous street and very low ambient noise levels.”

The development would have converted a range of existing farm buildings, to form an events barn for use as a wedding venue or for conferences.

A car park with 50 spaces would have been created to cater for weddings with up to 180 guests during the day and up to 220 guests in the evening

The applicants, A Wainwright and Son, said the change of use would have created new employment opportunities and that “increased productivity and profit” from the proposal would have provided the farm with a sustainable business model and allowed it to succeed in the future.

They also said that it was possible to mitigate the noise from the events held at the farm.