OPPOSITION to plans for a new wedding chapel in Wick appears to be growing after “angry” villagers in Wyre Piddle, on the other side of the river, also voiced their opposition.

On Saturday, more than a dozen objectors from both villages met and formed an action group against Charles Hudson’s proposal to transform an old barn in Yock Lane, Wick, into a wedding chapel that could host up to 100 events a year.

Local people have said they are worried the project could become a noise nuisance and lead to problems with access, and at a meeting of Wick Parish Council in September, many villagers opposed the plans.

Following the meeting at the weekend, the action group has decided to issue a survey to residents of both Wick and Wyre Piddle collecting views on the plans. The results will then be presented to Wychavon District Council.

Chris Smith, a resident of Wyre Piddle who attended the meeting, said: “There was a lot of anger expressed towards Mr Hudson and there is concern that he is ignoring the views of the local community.

“Residents stressed that there was no need for this building as there are already many wedding venues in the vicinity, such as Springhill, and Wick already has a popular club.

“For residents to suffer an estimated 12,000 traffic movements a year down an unmaintained lane mostly used by walkers is unacceptable. The barn is becoming known as ‘loathe barn’ rather than a love barn.”

Mr Hudson has denied the accusations. He said: “I’m not ignoring the views of the local community and I have had quite a lot of people privately tell me it’s a great idea.

“Of course, I respect the right of people to object and that is what the planning process is about. Planning officers will then take an objective decision.

“I love Wick and would never do anything to the detriment of the environment. I live here myself.”