Sunday, September 15, 2024 The plan to develop Hill Farm into a wedding venue and holiday lodge site has certainly stirred up contrasting opinions among locals and councillors. While some are apprehensive about potential issues related to traffic and noise, particularly on the narrow Willesley Woodside road, others are hopeful the project could inject a much-needed boost to local tourism and the rural economy. The wedding venue, with its 150-guest capacity, will attract visitors from across the region and beyond, potentially bringing increased revenue to surrounding businesses such as restaurants, shops, and other local attractions.
Tourism has become an essential part of rural economies, and many see this development as a step towards revitalizing the local area and making it more attractive to visitors. The addition of 10 holiday lodges on the farm further bolsters the potential for growth in tourism by offering unique accommodation in a scenic countryside setting. Local concerns were not disregarded in the council’s decision-making process.
To address the potential disruptions for nearby residents, the North West Leicestershire District Council attached a series of conditions to the planning approval. These include limitations on the number of events to just one per week, noise restrictions to prevent amplified music outdoors past 7 p.m.
, and ensuring all events finish by 1 a.m. Furthermore, windows and doors must remain closed after 11 p.
m., except for guest entry and e.