A PETITION has been launched to save a popular wedding venue after its future was pushed into uncertainty following a council enforcement notice.

Stock Street Farm Barn in Coggeshall was hit with an enforcement notice from Braintree Council banning it from holding events.

The council said the enforcement was because it is not in a suitable location because of the lack of sufficient on-site parking for events and the resulting harm to the setting of the listed buildings.

It also said the venue had not sought planning permission from the council for activities on the site.

However, the venue said it has operated under a valid premises licence since June 2016 without incident or any public or highways complaint.

A petition has now been launched by the owner of Stock Street Farm Barn Michael Staines and has already attracted 1,800 signatures.

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Mr Staines said: “The petition is designed to go in front of the national planning inspector.

“We want a senior planning inspector to be appointed and a public hearing, where I can bring out all the people who love our business

“I want this to come out in the open as we don’t think this is a fair situation.

“We also want to do a betterment of our site and switch from B8 commercial use to D2 leisure, which will mean the buildings are looked after to a high standard and the setting improved.”

Mr Staines also added the situation has badly damaged his business, and that he feels the venue is important for the area.

He said: “The situation has badly damaged our business and this petition is key to the appeal to save Stock Street.

“There are 5,000 new homes coming within five miles of our site in Kelvedon, Coggeshall, Feering and more but not a single space of leisure has been approved.

“Where are they going to go for a drink? Venues like ours are so important for the current and new population coming in.”

To sign the petition, go to bit.ly/3KJcUwO.

The Gazette approached Braintree Council for comment but it had not responded at the time of going to press.