A FAMILY who planned to hold weddings in a marquee on their land has been refused permission.

Essam Abdelfatah and his family had hoped to build a marquee, which could be hired for parties and functions, on their Northgate Mount estate, off Huddersfield Road, Honley.

But the family’s plans were derailed yesterday when Kirklees Council’s licensing panel refused to grant them a licence to host regular events on their land.

Mr Abdelfatah has said he will appeal against the decision.

He had hoped to lease a marquee for parties of up to 200 people.

But his application was rejected by councillors for fear that neighbours and the adjacent Honley High School (HHS) would be affected by noise and loud music from the events.

Councillors expressed concern about the lack of parking and that the consumption of alcohol on the premises would lead to anti-social behaviour in the village.

They also rejected Mr Abdelfatah’s application over concerns that pupils would be able to wander onto his land, and guests may roam onto the school grounds.

Kirklees Council received a petition and a number of written objections to the proposals.

A spokesman for the panel said: “The panel has concerns about the large number of guests leaving the premises.

“The applicant has not demonstrated adequate provision to reduce the sound levels from both the marquee and people leaving the grounds.

“The panel felt that in light of access and the number of guests, the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated proposals to ensure public safety.

“In addition the panel felt the application lacked clarity and detail and these failings were not addressed by the applicant in the hearing.”

Neighbour Allison Marshall expressed her relief at the panel’s decision.

Ms Marshall said: “I was very worried because I’m the immediate neighbour and it would have had a massive effect on my family.”

A venue owner may host up to 12 events a year on their premises, which can include live music and alcohol sales, by obtaining a temporary licence.

Mr Abdelfatah said: “We’ll be appealing.

“It’s a matter of people’s perception. There’s no right or wrong.

“There’s nothing to stop me doing it 12 times a year and that’s what I’ll do if I have to – and I will comply with the regulations.”

In February, Crow Hill Country House Estate, Marsden, was granted permission to host regular events despite reservations from its neighbours.