Glasgow wedding venue appeals against events ban
The Haberdashery owners have appealed against a ban
- Published
A Glasgow wedding venue barred from running events over noise complaints has said it will continue with business as usual as it is appealing the ban.
The Haberdashery, which took over a derelict premises in Sauchiehall Street, was denied planning permission to host events over noise complaints after a council meeting last week.
It was also revealed the venue had been holding events without permission for the past three years.
The business has now criticised the local authority, saying misinformation was used in making the decision.
Owners Afton Ferguson and Nikki Fairfull also accused the council of not verifying complaints about noise levels there first-hand.
Last week's report heard how two impact assessments at the tenement building found noise levels above acceptable standards.
Councillor Paul Leinster said the noisy celebrations made "life a misery for their neighbours".
Councillors then voted to deny retrospective permission for weddings, events and late-night opening, but granted permission for it to operate as a restaurant.
However in a statement the owners insisted: "Every noise complaint raised has been addressed through sound-proofing measures and independent acoustic reports.
"The most recent report, carried out by recognised experts, confirms that the Haberdashery now operates below recommended sound levels."
The owners claimed there had been "repeated attempts to engage with Glasgow City Council's Environmental Health team" and said "no officials have attended the venue during evening hours to verify complaints first-hand".
'Misrepresentation of key data'
Lindsay McIntyre, of acoustic consultancy business KSG Acoustics - who worked with the Haberdashery regarding noise levels - said there had been "misrepresentation of key data and positive action" at the meeting.
She added: "The operators of the Haberdashery have consistently taken the issue of amplified sound seriously and have made significant efforts to mitigate and manage operational noise at the venue.
"It is frustrating to see misrepresentation of key data, however we will continue to work closely with the venue and engage Glasgow City Council planners to ensure a positive outcome going forward."
Ms Ferguson and Ms Fairfull said their business had been affected by the "misinformation" in the council reports.
The Haberdashery said it had been assured by Glasgow City Council it could continue to trade until an appeal to the Scottish government was heard.
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "The council has determined the retrospective application and refused planning permission for what was an unauthorised use.
"The applicants have the right to appeal the decision to the Scottish government for a period of three months from the date the decision is issued.
"During this period it is normal council protocol not to pursue enforcement action as the decision may be affected should an appeal be submitted.
"Consequently, while the use remains unauthorised, the applicants may decide to continue operating while enforcement action is postponed."