It brings with it, they allege, noise and disturbance, drunken guests who use foul language, being called racist when they ask politely to stop the shouting, photographs being taken in private gardens, guests’ cars blocking residents’ driveways, excessive traffic late at night, guests coaches causing traffic jams, firework displays late at night, and even lost and late guests asking to change in neighbouring residents’ houses.
Before Froyle Park, formerly Gasston House, was given planning permission to become a hotel, George and Alex Roberts claim, in a letter published in this month’s parish magazine, that villagers were led to believe it would become a country club hotel, which could be used by the community as a venue in which to socialise, drink and eat, or hold functions.
The Roberts say: “Had the village known that the intention was to set up an exclusive wedding venue, with weddings nearly every day in the summer, then many villagers would have made a very different response during the consultation period.”
As a result they have asked East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) for clarification of “what exactly was discussed” between planning officers and owners, the Nicholas James Group, over the intended use and conditions of the “hotel” prior to permission being granted.
The situation seems to have escalated after new residents moved into Froyle Green in the summer, occupying homes built on the former Treloar School site adjacent to Froyle Place. The parish council stepped in and wrote to Angela Glass, EHDC’s portfolio holder for planning, stating that Froyle had been “misled” over the nature of the venue.
It was pointed out that the village had been under the impression that Froyle Place was to become a country club hotel, with a specific promise that it would not be a wedding venue.
Mrs Glass replied that as Froyle Place was a hotel the owners were entitled to run it as a wedding venue if they so wished.
While it is thought that there are now various district council departments involved in looking into this issue, including those responsible for enforcement and environmental health, a meeting of the parish council on October 6 resulted in another formal complaint to the authority about the way the development of Froyle Park has been managed, “with particular regard to the failure (of EHDC) to implement its own planning conditions and to press for a review of the premises’ licence for the venue”.
There was a determination recorded to meet with environmental health officer David Fitzgerald; to write to Nicholas Roach, chairman of the Nicholas James Group, who obtained the original planning consent for the development of the Treloar site; and also to the owner of Froyle Park, to reinforce the parish council’s position.
The parish council claims the village has been misled over the use of Froyle Park as a wedding venue and that, had Nicholas James Group proposed such a use it would have received no support from the community as the parish council would have “vigorously opposed it”.
It is felt that the hotel has inadequate access, parking and servicing areas to support such a large event – some weddings have up to 300 guests – and some events, the parish council claims, have caused distress to residents.
The parish council is calling for a review of the situation, urging that in future the venue be run as a country club, as was originally described to residents, and one that is integrated into the community, open to residents, provides local employment, and “becomes a source of pride, not aggravation”.
The parish council has also asked Linden Homes, as the developer building new homes in Upper Froyle, to support the community in its fight, and is also asking for comments from residents.
The parish council says it is grateful to those residents who have provided evidence, such as photographs and video coverage, in response to its request for evidence of the nuisance caused by Froyle Park.
Michael Warren, managing director of Harbour Hotels, which operates Froyle Park, in a statement to the Herald said: “There have been some operational challenges in balancing the interests of new residents moving into the new houses adjacent to the venue and the overwhelming popularity of Froyle Park in hosting events and weddings following its extensive refurbishment.
“The company has responded to these challenges by revising its staffing structure and revisiting traffic management, including deliveries and collections from Froyle Park, as well as controlling the environment to better respect the locality.
“The principle feedback has been from three neighbours adjacent to the venue whose properties are within close proximity. This feedback has been acted upon promptly and there have been no further complaints in recent weeks following the actions taken.”
The statement went on: “We were disappointed not to have the opportunity to comment on this matter in the parish magazine when we would have been able to explain the changes made.”
Mr Warren concluded by confirming that he has appointed a “highly experienced” general manager to oversee the operations at Froyle Park.
Steve Lewis, who has previously managed the highly-acclaimed Old Bank Hotel in Oxford and the Hotel du Vin in Bristol, took on his new challenge at Froyle Park on Tuesday.