The owner of a Fife wedding venue mired in controversy has pleaded for a fair hearing after his complaint against his local community council was upheld.
Ian Macallan and wife Ruth have suffered what he described as a “torrid time” as opposition rages in the local community to the use of Carphin House for weddings.
Creich and Flisk Community Council was reprimanded by Fife Council for failing to act in an open and objective manner and becoming “entrenched” in its opposition to proposals for the Luthrie venue.
The organisation co-opted as a member farmer Laura Arbuckle, who was in a legal dispute with neighbours the Macallans, and was advised by her on planning and other issues concerning Carphin House.
The council said this constituted a clear conflict of interest.
An enforcement notice was served last year on Mr and Mrs Macallan banning weddings in Carphin House and its curtilage.
Teepees for wedding receptions were erected in a woodland area nearby during August and September and ceremonies have been conducted on a lawn beside the house.
Luthrie Residents Group erected signs by the access road used by couples and their guests stating “Carphin House weddings violate planning rules” and “weddings not allowed in house and gardens”.
Mr Macallan claimed the situation was a “neighbour dispute into which planning issues have been dragged”.
He said: “Carphin House is one of 14 historic houses in Fife that host weddings.
“None has faced the issues we have dealt with because none has had such a disappointing neighbour dispute.
“All we are seeking to do is run a family business and help make the most special day in a couple’s life event more special in a world-class setting beside Carphin.
“We at Carphin will, of course, tackle any legitimate issues and we will, of course, obey any rules regarding hosting events.
“However, we would urge people to recognise a neighbour dispute for what it is and give our proposals a fair hearing in line with all the other wedding venues in Fife.”
Community council secretary Robert Arbuckle said the complaint had been dismissed twice before being upheld at a third stage.
He said: “The community council is very disappointed and I don’t think we agree with the finding.
“The whole community is up in arms about Carphin House, we are only reflecting public opinion.
“They are not supposed to be having weddings there but they are.”
Luthrie Residents Group defended the roadside signs in a statement.
It said that the enforcement notice issued by the council ordered Carphin House owners to cease use of the land as a commercial wedding venue.
One of the reasons for the notice, it stressed, was that use of the venue for weddings had created noise adversely affecting the amenity of nearby houses.
