Millionaire hopes to draw veil over planning row
A GRADE I-listed castle marketed as a fairytale wedding venue has been operating without planning permission for the past two years.
The 13th century Caverswall Castle was bought by millionaire Robin MacDonald and transformed into a lavish setting for weddings and other events in 2007.
Since then about 70 weddings have taken place at the venue which has a county council licence for marriage ceremonies.
But it has emerged that Staffordshire Moorlands District Council served an enforcement notice on Mr MacDonald in November because the venue does not have planning permission to hold weddings and other public events.
The matter should have been heard at a public inquiry in July.
But Mr MacDonald has submitted a planning application to change the use of the castle from residential to allowing it to provide wedding events and functions together with a new car park.
This application will be discussed by district councillors on Thursday.
An earlier planning application to use the castle as a wedding venue was withdrawn in September last year.
Mr MacDonald said: "The applications are very complicated and due to the Grade I nature of the building, numerous specialist reports and architectural drawings are required. This takes time.
"Also, the conservation and planning officer has asked for more and more information in relation to the reports and plans.We have everything in place now."
Eight letters have been sent by neighbours raising concern about noise, disturbance and a loss of privacy.
Planning officers have recommended councillors refuse the application for a number of reasons.
They include fears that the scale and frequency of the proposed use would cause too much damage to the building.
A report also adds: "The application lacks conclusive evidence to justify the proposed change of use.
"Insufficient evidence has been submitted of the marketing campaign to demonstrate that there was no interest other than for commercial use or that the change of use is necessary to fund maintenance of the building's fabric."
In addition to the change of use application, councillors will also consider two other proposals.
The first is a £15,000 to £20,000 project to replace two sets of gates at the castle, while the other is for £1 million of internal and external alterations.
Both applications have been recommended for approval.
Mr MacDonald added: "Caverswall Castle is one of the most important historic buildings in the locality. I have restored it at great expense and have made it available for people to enjoy.
"I have also created employment for 30 people – 14 full-time and 16 part-time. This provides a much-needed boost to the local economy.
"Had I not done this work the building would have continued to deteriorate and this would have resulted in a great loss for current and future generations."
The council has agreed not to proceed with the enforcement action until the planning applications have been dealt with but the notice remains in place.
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by Sarah Richardson, Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Friday, March 18 2011, 1:09AM
“MY DREAM DISAPPEARED...I was due to marry at Caverswall August 27th this year. As soon as my fiance and I set a date I began looking for venues. It took me no time at all to find 'THE PERFECT PLACE' and Caverswall Castle was it. All other wedding arrangements could of been sorted without me for all I cared as I had 'MY OWN CASTLE'. (Im sure this sounds childish & I even shocked myself on how i felt about Castle)
I know people must be angry and believe me I have cried that much my 3year old son is telling me to sort myself out now! But as a businessman & owner I believe Mr MacDonald did the only thing he could do. We have been frantically trying to find a new venue (with all other couples doing the same so dates have gone!!) but Ive realised nowhere would feel right. Not only the beautiful fairytale wedding has gone but the warmth and hospitality already received & looking forward to on our day from the staff. Luckily we have wedding insurance but it doesnt help one bit though thanks to Caverswall for all the professional advice when booking 2years ago! ALSO the respect and obvious concern for neighbouring homes was felt and passed onto ourselves from Caverswall staff!!!
I dont doubt there are other options for us (As i type this comment I am STILL trying to sort things out at 1.30a.m on my birthday!!!!), but in my heart Caverswall was the only one and for that reason I see no second best and had to cancel everything for now. :((
I REALLY, REALLY hope those responsible are happy that they have given us brides a memory we wont EVER forget!! THANKS
To all couples...Good luck xx
& To Mr MacDonald, Staff & Caverswall....Thank u and bye xxx”
by Sarah Richardson, Tamworth Staffordshire
Friday, March 18 2011, 12:59AM
“MY DREAM DISAPPEARED...I was due to marry at Caverswall August 27th this year. As soon as my fiance and I set a date I began looking for venues. It took me no time at all to find 'THE PERFECT PLACE' and Caverswall Castle was it. All other wedding arrangements could of been sorted without me for all I cared as I had 'MY OWN CASTLE'. (Im sure this sounds childish & I even shocked myself on how i felt about Castle)
I know people must be angry and believe me I have cried that much my 3year old son is telling me to sort myself out now! But as a businessman & owner I believe Mr MacDonald did the only thing he could do. We have been frantically trying to find a new venue (with all other couples doing the same so dates have gone!!) but Ive realised nowhere would feel right. Not only the beautiful fairytale wedding has gone but the warmth and hospitality already received & looking forward to on our day from the staff. Luckily we have wedding insurance but it doesnt help one bit though thanks to Caverswall for all the professional advice when booking 2years ago! ALSO the respect and obvious concern for neighbouring homes was felt and passed onto ourselves from Caverswall staff!!!
I dont doubt there are other options for us, but in my heart Caverswall was the only one and for that reason I see no second best and had to cancel everything for now. :((
I REALLY, REALLY, hope those responisble are happy that they have given us brides a memory we wont EVER forget!! THANKS
To all couples...Good luck xx
To Mr MacDonald, Staff & Caverswall....Thank u and bye xxx”
by Village resident, Staffordshire
Friday, August 21 2009, 7:29AM
“I find the whole situation between the neighbours and the Castle laughable, the "near neighbour" that has commented on here about the castle being a semi detached obviously has nothing better to do with their time than be petty and try and cause the castle problems. It is a shame that in 1978 all of the buildings were sold off seperately because if they were not maybe Mr McDonald would not have to put up with this and could get on with letting people use his lovely home to get married at.”
by Laura Rushton, Stoke on Trent
Thursday, August 20 2009, 10:36AM
“We got married at the Castle on the 25th of July this year and we had the most spectacular day, despite some of the locals trying to ruin it for us! My partner grew up in the village and I grew up in Weston Coyney. We wanted to get married locally and the castle was perfect for us.
We have spoken to many people in the village (my inlaws still live there) most of whom support the castle and the tourists it brings into the local community.
The castle went out of their way to ensure that there was little disruption caused to neighbouring houses, unfortunately it would seem that no matter what they do people still continue to complain.
It would be a real shame if the planning application was turned down and other people like us could not have the opportunity to enjoy such an amazing day.
They have our full support.”
by Katie, Stoke
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 4:26PM
“I am holding my wedding at the castle in march 2010. I would like to say that i have every confidence my big day is going to go ahead. I would like to advise others that are getting married at the castle not listen to hearsay or rumours. I am perfectly sure that if there are any problems that will affect me the castle will let me know.
Also to the person who left the 'semi detached' comment, we booked our wedding there because we loved the rooms that we would be using on our day.
I suggest that some people take a good look at the good Mr MacDonald is doing, creating jobs and also letting people like me use his property for what is going to be the best day of my life.”
by Near Neighbour, Staffordshire
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 3:06PM
“Sorry Claire, you are misinformed. In June 1978 the whole property known as Caverswall Castle was sold to a Company who split the property and lands into 6 residential properties. At this point, "Caverswall Castle" the building was split into two properties "The Castle" and "The Moat House". They were sold to two different families and have both been seperate family homes since then. "The Castle" is adjoined to "The Moat House" making Caverswall Castle "semi-detached .”
by Claire, Staffordshire
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 10:39AM
“The below comment is inaccurate. Caverswall Castle is a 13th century moated castle with 35 acres of land including a further lake. It remains to be the case that Caverswall Castle is a very important historic landmark, hence its popularity. Many people from the village of Caverswall have been married at the castle.”
by Near Neighbour, Caverswall
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 9:34AM
“How many of you are aware that Caverswall Castle is a semi-detached Castle. Only part of the Castle is owned and run by Mr MacDonald. The other part is a privately owned residence with land. All the other properties surrounding the Castle are privately owned family homes and gardens”
by harry, caverswall
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:53PM
“i live in caverswall and there is no disruption from events. the neighbours are clearly jealous and just seeking to cause issues where non exist.”
by harry wilson, caverswall
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:47PM
“i live in the village of caverswall and what the owner is doing is a credit to the castle and thecommunity. creating employment and bringing money and support into the local economy is desperately needed especially in this economic climate.the neighbours in question are clearly jealous and just seeking to cause issues where non exist!”