Glamping site gets permission to stage events

The glamping site is in the grounds of Himley Hall

A glamping site has been given permission to host music events, films and dance performances and to serve alcohol until midnight.

Himley Hall Glamping, based at the West Lodge at Himley Hall and Park in south Staffordshire, said it had been looking to diversify after it "found Dudley as a holiday destination was not particularly desirable".

It said it had held four weddings this year, without complaints, but it faced objections to the new plan from the chair of Himley Parish Council and 10 local residents.

They argued the events would cause noise, traffic and public nuisance issues.

South Staffordshire Council’s licensing sub-committee disagreed and granted the venue a premises licence allowing alcohol to be served from 11:00 to 00:00.

It said live music must end by 23:00, but recorded music will be permitted after this time in the bar area only.

Up to four events a month that involve licensable activities will be allowed between 1 April and 31 October each year.

For the rest of the year it will be allowed to stage two events a month.

Other conditions include the serving of drinks in plastic containers except at wedding receptions, and the installation of CCTV in the bar area.

'Unbearable'

Nearby residents who objected to the application argued there were not enough parking spaces and that there could be "traffic chaos" and excessive noise.

One said: “When events are held at Himley Hall I can hear the music from my home and while this is acceptable on a few occasions, the thought of all-day events, especially the music, would make my retirement totally unbearable."

Glamping site operator Patrick Sampson told the panel at Tuesday’s licensing hearing there would be a limit of 150 guests per event and most would attract no more than 100.

He said he had arranged for an overspill car park at Himley Hall and that extra toilets would be brought in for large events.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.