Villagers fear plans to turn a farm into a wedding venue are “totally unsuitable” as narrow country lanes around the site will be “unable to cope” with extra traffic.

Applicant William Sedgwick has resubmitted a change of use scheme for Great Napchester Farm in Whitfield, near Dover, after an initial bid in 2023 was withdrawn due to issues surrounding the proposed car park.

His new plans have reduced the available spaces from 62 to 24, with a maximum of 50 guests allowed at each event.

Three Airbnbs already run at the site, including a Grade II-listed six-bedroom farmhouse, which is now proposed to offer overnight accommodation for wedding parties who have booked the venue.

Five new shepherd’s huts offering overnight stays are also included in the revised application.

But residents remain fearful of the impact the new venue will have.

Brendan Keating, who has lived near the proposed site for 12 years, thinks the move could cause much disruption.

"The reason you move to the countryside is because you want peace and quiet, and that’s what we had, but now we have to deal with numerous vehicles on a completely unsuitable road - the infrastructure is just not here it won't be able to cope," he said.

“Even the comments on their Airbnbs say it’s a lovely, secluded place but it’s a bit of a nightmare to get to.

“It’s just not feasible to have a venue here, the high banks we have on the road, the vegetation during the summer closes the road to the width of a car - it’s totally unsuitable.

“We used to have one car a day go up the road, but already now it’s constant.”

If approved by Dover District Council (DDC), a barn on the site will host wedding receptions and other functions.

A bar and toilets have already been fitted, and a kitchen set will be added for the customer to provide a caterer.

No external changes are proposed to the barn.

The venue will be available for hire once during weekdays and for each weekend, with two events a week proposed from March through to September.

But 22 objection comments have now been lodged with DDC, which is set to decide on the plans later this year.

Sutton Parish Council also added its opposing views, stating: “The impact of this proposal will significantly disturb neighbouring properties in the area. What limit will be set on the noise from the barn, and what action will be taken if this is exceeded?

“It’s been stated that windows and doors will be kept closed, but this is completely unrealistic on a warm evening and probably unsafe for those inside the barn.

“The environment would obviously be impacted by noise and light pollution. It’s obvious that up to 50 people and 24 vehicles will put the neighbouring local wildlife site and ancient woodland at risk.”

In documents submitted by the applicant, it is stated several traffic measures will be introduced, including staff monitoring arrivals and departures during a 90-minute period each side of events.

Customers will also be encouraged to use two mini buses, which will be available to hire to minimise impacts on the road network.

It is also proposed that all music will cease by 11pm and sound systems will be fitted with a noise limiter device to monitor the volume of events.

The applicant's design and access statement suggests that the plans provide a “viable alternative” for an existing vacant agricultural building.

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They add: “The use of the land for functions, events and ancillary accommodation allows for the growth of a rural-based business.

“It provides a viable use to a former agricultural building, resulting in employment, benefits local businesses, promoting tourism.

“It will result in funds to preserve and enhance the heritage asset without causing a harmful impact on the landscape character of the countryside, residential amenity and where highway impacts are mitigated to an acceptable level.”