A new wedding venue proposed in Benfleet has finally been accepted.

Bosses of former clothing factory Jill Duke in Benfleet Road, Benfleet, popped the question to Castle Point Council, asking permission to change the use of its first floor premises to a civil ceremony suite and function room.

They were left on tenterhooks after planning committee members deferred making a decision until they thrashed out worries over parking. However, after detailed discussions with the applicants, the committee has just said yes.

Chris Freeman (Con, Boyce) said: "I think we had a very fruitful meeting with the applicants, which certainly allayed fears and clarified issues."

The company won permission last May to turn the ground floor of its premises into La Quinta restaurant which runs its own seven-seater limousine for customers.

No one was available for comment at the factory.

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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