Wedding bells peel at retreat

By JONATHON HOWARD

LOVING couples can now tie the knot at Swanfels Valley Retreat after Southern Downs Regional Council approved the site to host weddings.
The venue, located at 737 Top Swanfels Road, Swanfels, will host a maximum of 12 events per year, host a maximum of 120 guests per event and can operate from 8am to midnight only.
The application was discussed and approved by Southern Downs Regional Council during a general meeting at Stanthorpe on 29 April.
A submission made against the proposal raised noise and lighting concerns.
In response, the applicant said they would operate the venue with minimal impact on the area’s peace and tranquillity.
“We have witnessed the ‘tree change’ phenomenon which has impacted on our respective communities in the last 20 – 30 years,” the applicant said.
“Thus, we are very conscious of ensuring our proposal has minimal impact on the peace and tranquillity of this portion of the Swanfels Valley that we too have sought to enjoy and hence to preserve.
“To this end, and in keeping with country values, we went beyond the requirements of the initial submission by contacting all our neighbours to personally outline the parameters of the project and explain how it may impact on them. All but one responded (after successive attempts).”
There are no buildings or structures proposed as part of the venue and all equipment including a marquee and portable toilets will be hired for each function, and catering will be outsourced.
Council said the proposal can be considered acceptable, particularly as the use does not involve the construction of buildings or structures and functions will be held intermittently only.