BRIDES and a bridleway do not mix, according to opponents of a plan for a wedding venue in Grenofen who protested with banners at a meeting of West Devon Borough Council's planning committee on?Tuesday.

The access to the property 'Ever After' at Lower Grenofen, which is a single track lane, is also a public right of way and bridleway.

Horseriders said the bridleway was very well used, being the only route of any reasonable length in that area but no rider was going to take a horse that close to a wedding venue.

There are also concerns about the effect of noise on the abundance of wildlife at the site which is next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Grenofen Wood.

Applicant Steven Nash wants to change the use of the garage and part domestic curtilage to a wedding ceremony and reception venue. The proposal involves the use of the site from April 1 to September 30 for a maximum of 52 days in any year.

Planning officers had recommended a temporary consent for three years but committee members voted for a site visit before they make a decision.

No highways objections have been raised to the plan.

Stephen Amery, who rides on the bridlepath, said there had been a suggestion that warning signs would be put up three days before any wedding took place.

He said:?'This is a public right of way but no rider is going to take a horse that close to a wedding venue that adjoins two thirds of the property without fearing for themselves and the well-being of the horse.

'Riders will stay away for the whole of the summer and eventually they will not be able to use the bridleway anymore.

'There are 57 horses stabled within 1.9 miles of that site. This is part of a route that most people use to adequately exercise their horses; there are shorter routes but this is the best one.'

Graham Antcliffe, who lives in the grounds of Grenofen Manor, said there were otters, kingfishers, cuckoos and bats among other wildlife at the site.

'A proper environmental assessment needs to be undertaken,' he said. 'Some 150 people celebrating with disco lights and music right in the middle of their habitat is going to have an impact.'

Planning officers said they had taken into account concerns of the opponents and the parish council but it was considered these concerns could be addressed through conditions to secure a noise management plan, travel plan and lighting levels.

The planning office has received 83 letters of objection to the scheme and 45 in support. The owners of Ever After declined to make a comment at this stage.