A NEW wedding venue in Little Clacton has been given the blessing of council bosses.

Plans to change and extend former agricultural buildings at Grove Farm in Tan Lane have been approved by Tendring Council.

The scheme includes carrying out work to a villiers barn and it will provide a reception hall, catering and guest facilities, bridal suite, guest and staff car parking, landscaping and use of the courtyard and grounds.

It was given the green light with 15 conditions to control the development of the site.

Grove Farm is a Grade II listed building, as is the main barn, in a fairly isolated location surrounded by open farmland.

It is the main barn that will be used as the venue with the support facilities in the nearby stable block and a former annexe will become the bridal suite.

There were no objections from Historic England and Little Clacton Parish Council did not oppose the plans, provided it remains a wedding venue and does not revert to residential or commercial use.

A spokesman for Tendring Council said that the development will enhance the appearance of the site and ensure the life of the listed building along with the outbuildings.

“The proposal will bring significant economic benefit and will provide a useful purpose for the listed building,” he said.

“It will boost rural regeneration as well as providing a new community facility to serve the local area.

“It is considered acceptable in terms of design, layout, the impact on heritage assets and highway access.”