Nairn hotel marquee plan is 'not on'
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A LUXURY hotel’s plan to erect a large "party tent" at the eastern edge of its grounds in Nairn has drawn criticism from neighbours.
The town’s West and Suburban Community Council has formally objected to a planning application lodged by the Muthu Newton Hotel.
The four-star facility seeks permission to set up a 300sqm marquee behind its existing function suite for wedding ceremonies and other events.
Manager Murray McPhee said if permission is granted the tent would be set down on a parcel of land unseen from guest bedrooms, protecting views.
He said the hotel "always listened to the views of our neighbours" but insisted the marquee would be used "in a sensible manner" with all steps taken to ensure it did not cause noise and disruption in the area.
But community council chairman Dick Youngson said the marquee plan was "not on" because there would be "far too much noise".
The planning application lodged by the 63-bed hotel will be decided by planners in due course.
Outlining the need for the large canvas structure in a supporting letter to the council, the hotel’s building consultant HHL Scotland said: "The Newton Hotel currently hosts between 30 and 40 weddings per year. About half of these weddings request an outdoor ceremony.
"Due to poor weather the majority of these end up having to be relocated indoors."
The statement goes on to say that the hotel chapel "only hosts 90 guests, which is often too small to host some ceremonies".
"As such, they have considered various options and concluded that the provision of a semi-permanent party tent is the most appropriate option to address this issue."
However, community councillor Mr Youngson said the scheme had to be rejected.
He said Manse Road residents feared it would cause them endless problems and that they would find themselves embroiled in a noise battle with the hotel.
"This is just not on," he said.
"It’s so close to the houses. All the celebrations and functions will be unbearable for the families living there. Young families will be trying to put their kids to bed. There will be far too much noise."
Mr Youngson said the intended location was the problem.
"There’s plenty of opportunities to have it elsewhere, where it’s not going to impinge on the houses," he said.
"They already have the tent and it’s a very good idea but there’s no reason for them to put it there.
"We will be happy to support it on another part of the extensive site. They could put it in front where they have the cattle. Or on the west side where the stables are.
"They can’t have it where it’s going to cause problems for their neighbours."
The planning application has attracted another objection from a Mr and Mrs Mackintosh, who presumably live nearby.
Their letter, which is published with the planning application on the council’s online planning portal, says: "Our objection is based on the evidence of existing experience.
"As is customary during weddings and similar festive occasions being held within the hotel’s conference suite the emergency doors on the south elevation overlooking the lawn are regularly left open.
"The sound of music and merriment provide considerable noise pollution which affects the adjoining neighbours for hours at a time."
