A wedding venue’s application to extend its opening hours has been approved in spite of significant opposition from neighbours.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s planning committee has permitted Easton Grange, pictured, to change its closing time from midnight to 2am on 24 occasions a year, not including Sundays.

Councillors, however, placed a condition preventing the extension being used more than twice a month.

Earlier versions of the application, allowing for 30 extensions a year, with no restrictions on the monthly frequency, had provoked a number of objections from neighbours who feared it would lead to “noise and disturbance”.

David and Catherine Harris wrote in their objection: “It would be a great pity of the peace and tranquillity of the Deben Valley were to be spoiled by the creation of an entertainment venue, for whatever purpose, for the detriment of many.”

Easton and Kettleburgh parish councils also voted against the application.

Councillors in Easton recommended an earlier time of 1am over 15 occasions, fearing that 30 could mean late night disturbances every weekend throughout summer.

Although councillors also voted against the applicant’s scaled back submission, parish chairman John Owen, said he could understand the district council’s approval.

“Personally I think Suffolk Coastal have rightfully tried to balance the commercial needs with that of the local residents,” he said.

“Whether they have the balance right, only time will tell.”

The approval does not alter the venue’s alcohol licence.