Wedding bid blocked at 'dignified' coastal venue

Planners said Fort Perch Rock was not suitable for weddings

A landmark described as "seemly and dignified" by planning inspectors has been denied permission to host weddings.

Fort Perch Rock, a coastal defence in New Brighton which dates back to just after the Napoleonic wars, is home to a cafe bar, function rooms and exhibitions.

Its owners wanted to use it to hold marriage ceremonies, but a lack of disabled access to its upper floors meant its bid was denied by Wirral Council.

Owner Douglas Darroch told planners on Friday he "could have turned [it] into a casino or a strip club but that is disrespectful to the building", adding: "We are trying to find ways to generate cash to take the building forward."

Mr Darroch added that people had asked in the past about using the venue for weddings.

He said: "It's part of our business plan to bring life to the building which we are trying to do now... with the escape room, cafe, and the museum opening next year."

Councillors raised concerns about the walkway into the fort, disability access and fire risk management.

The building, which is 32 ft (9m) high, was completed in 1829 and is due to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its foundation stone being laid next year.