West school plan to host wedding ceremonies

ONE of the West’s top independent schools hopes to add another string to its bow by hosting weddings.

Taunton School has applied for permission to hold civil wedding ceremonies within its buildings and in different areas of its grounds.

But a number of residents who live near the independent school have already objected to the plans, raising concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals by the end of the year.

The independent school, on Staplegrove Road, provides education for day-school and boarding pupils aged 13-18.

Under the proposals, ceremonies will be held in the school’s theatre, dining room, the old library or outside in the Chapel Garden.

Estates manager Terry Harris said in his application that no additional parking spaces would be required on site, and the proposals would not generate any issues with waste collections.

The school has not specified how many ceremonies it would seek to hold in a given year – a detail which has attracted criticism from neighbouring residents.

Dr Mark Anderson, of Addison Grove, said: “Our property backs onto the school’s grounds immediately next to where a functions marquee is erected each year, and used very noisily, for about two weeks in June or July.

“My wife and I are old and infirm, and came to this street because we thought it would be quiet.

“It is not clear just how many events will be accommodated each year.

“This is a matter of major concern to me. as I have developed the habit of going away each year at about the time of the marquee’s use, which avoids the noise, but would not want to have to do this for more than about a fortnight a year.

“Big receptions, causing people to spill out into the grounds as far as this house might, on the precedents set by the annual marquee, cause us more than disaffection.”

Jill and Bill Heeps, who live on the same street, added: “We would certainly strongly object and protest should the school intend to hold outdoor wedding receptions and other socials.

“Based on past experience of when the school held celebrations and events in the school grounds this obviously had an impact on residents. Many of these events involved the provision of alcohol and the use of amplified music.”

Steve Frost also said: “I cannot see how the school will be able monitor noise and keep this to an acceptable level.

“If they cannot control boarders at the school running around, I struggle to imagine them controlling parties that have consumed excess alcohol.

“Every time there is an event near the boundary rubbish ends up in our back gardens and the tree-line is used as a smoking area.”

The council is expected to make a decision before Christmas, though this is likely to be handled through powers delegated to its planning officers rather than being decided in public by the planning committee.