Venue idea for property depends on noise plan
Plans to use a residential property in Perthshire as an events venue have been recommended for approval, but only if a noise management plan is submitted and approved and the number of days events are held at the venue are limited.
A proposal has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council for Auchterarder House to be used as an exclusive rental property for small groups or people hiring for events.
Councillors will vote on the planned change of use when they meet next Tuesday (March 9).
The B-listed former hotel sits in extensive grounds just over a mile north-east of Auchterarder.
Two further applications to convert/alter the stables to form an events venue will be brought before councillors for consideration at a later date.
In 2002 planning permission was granted for the 10-bedroomed building to change from a hotel to a private house.
In June 2020 Denholm Partnership Architects submitted plans on behalf of Robert Wiseman to a part change of use from dwellinghouse to dwellinghouse and events venue.
Likely events to be held at the events venue would include weddings, birthday celebrations and small conferences.
PKC’s report of handling states “exclusive use of the house and rental would typically be for two nights, most likely at a weekend and with around 20-30 events per year.”
The council has received a number of representations from neighbours concerned about noise and fireworks.
PKC’s report of handling states: “It is accepted that, if uncontrolled, there is potential that residential amenity could be adversely affected, particularly from amplified music if used.”
A noise impact assessment looked at predicted noise levels at noise sensitive properties from amplified music associated to both Auchterarder House and the stables venue.
It found mitigation measures would be required for the stables venue but were not required in this application.
It is proposed noise from guests arriving, moving about the venue areas and leaving the venue be controlled through a noise management condition.
The report goes on to say: “This will set out measures to minimise and control sources of noise, including equipment, music, noise limiter settings, vehicle movements, times of any deliveries to and from the site and activities associated with events including fireworks.”
PKC’s environmental health team has also requested restricting the number of days events can be held at the venue to 30.
Councillors who sit on PKC’s planning and development management committee will consider the application on Tuesday.