Ex-Judas Priest star KK Downing in Astbury Hall marquee plea

The former guitarist of rock group Judas Priest is seeking permission to put up marquees for weddings and other functions in the grounds of his Shropshire home.

KK Downing has applied for permission to be allowed to hold outdoor functions at Astbury Hall in Astbury, near Bridgnorth.

He already has permission for 18 and nine-hole golf courses, extensions to the hall to provide a hotel, use of a barn for holiday lets and the erection of 12 holiday lodges.

But conditions attached to the planning permission mean he cannot hold functions, including wedding receptions or barbecues, in open areas outside the hotel building without the prior approval of Shropshire Council. Now he wants to vary the conditions to allow marquees in three locations.

Chelmarsh Parish Council has objected and is concerned there would be noise nuisance and disturbance for residents.

It says the use of marquees once or twice a year is acceptable but the proposed scale of use is totally unacceptable.

Shropshire Council's south planning committee is being recommended to approve the variation subject to conditions.

A report to Tuesday's meeting says Mr Downing's agent said the temporary marquees were needed for wedding functions, barbecues and corporate events, and that the three locations would not be used at the same time.

The report says the golf course development has created about 20 jobs with the potential to create several dozen more once the approved hotel and clubhouse are constructed.

It says the plan is "a vital step to generate the required interest in Astbury Hall, so it can be seen to offer and cater for a full range of functions."

The report adds a ban on using amplified sound within the marquees and other open areas between the hours of 11pm and 9am the following day could be imposed.