A BOOMING wedding business is hoping to expand its enterprise by converting former stables at Tufton Warren.

A planning application has been lodged to covert The Stables, at Tufton Warren Farm, Whitchurch, into an extra honeymoon suite and bridal preparation room.

The Clock Barn was first converted from agricultural use into a wedding venue in 2010, and it now accommodates up to 190 weddings per year.

The business is estimated to directly and indirectly contribute at least £7.5 million to the local rural economy.

Its planning statement read: “The increase in demand in the venue continues to lead to an increased demand for on-site overnight accommodation.

“Whilst there is some existing accommodation on-site this remains limited and results in a significant proportion of guests needing to travel to and from the venue to surrounding hotels.

“This is a factor considered by potential customers in a highly competitive market.”

A conversion of a former farmhouse to bed and breakfast accommodation in 2016 the venue also “proved popular” with wedding parties and added to the appeal of the location.

No objections have been raised by consultees to the plan, which was submitted on October 9.

The plan hopes to also add housekeeping and storage facilities to the converted stables, in addition to the honeymoon suite overnight spot, and bridal room.

It added: “The honeymoon suite would be used principally by guests attending a wedding at the site and may, on occasion and only when there is not a wedding taking place, be used by others as bed and breakfast tourist accommodation.”

To view the plan go to https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search for the reference code 18/02961/FUL.