A village looks set to get a new wedding venue despite protests from nearby residents who fear it will bring unwanted noise and pollution.

Residents living in Cadmore End are outraged at plans to turn Rackley’s Farm on Marlow Road into a wedding venue, but councillors said the idea would be “excellent” for the area.

The Sargent Charitable Trust, which owns the site, wants to demolish the outbuildings and extend the existing barn, adding a basement, before refurbishing other buildings on the farm.

At a planning meeting at Wycombe District Council on Wednesday, Gillian Smith, a neighbour to the site, said “not one person” in Cadmore End supported the application.

She said: “We believe it will be of no social or economic benefit to our area. Virtually doubling the size of this development will impact the character of our neighbourhood. It will be detrimental to our right to quiet enjoyment and have an adverse effect on our health and quality of life.

“The traffic count on the B482 Marlow Road between 11pm and 12am is approximately two to four vehicles and hour. This will increase to a minimum of 80, impacting neighbours with air, noise and light pollution. Headlights leaving the venue will be extremely intrusive at night.”

However, the majority of councillors disagreed and believe the plans would improve the area.

Cllr Tony Lee, who lives near both Hedsor House and Cliveden, where weddings regularly take place, said he sometimes hears a “row” from his own home but added that it only happens on a Saturday night.

He added: “Rackley’s Farm s basically derelict. I really think the noise complaint is a little bit excessive and over the top.”

Cllr Alan Turner said the plans would improve the barns and outbuildings which are in a state of disrepair.

He said: “If nothing is done soon, they could be gone forever. It’s not going to be a farm again so what else could it be? It’s a beautiful site and I think it’s excellent for the purpose proposed.

“I’d be struggling to find a reason to reject this – it seems an admirable project and I’d like to see the buildings restored so they will still be there for generations to come.”

Cllr Mohammed Hanif said the application should be “music to the ears of residents” – which prompted laughs from villagers the public gallery.

However, Cllr Jean Teesdale, who represents Cadmore End, said the entrance to the site, along the busy national speed limit road, is dangerous.

She said: “It’s a very dark area and that bend is very, very concerning at the entrance. It is very dangerous. I predict there will be accidents there because it is a well-known danger spot already.

“These people have enjoyed a quiet environment and I feel they’re entitled to that. I'm sad you all seem to think it’s a wonderful idea.”

The majority of councillors voted in favour of the plans.