A wedding at Connaught Gardens in August looks set to serve as a 'trial' for planning future ceremonies, after concerns were raised about the use of the public space for private events.

East Devon District Council announced in February that the gardens were now licensed to hold legal wedding ceremonies, and that it was marketing the site as a venue.

At the time the council said a marquee could be put up in the gardens for wedding receptions and breakfasts.

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The announcement came as a surprise to Sidmouth Town Council, which had not been consulted on the proposal – an oversight for which the district council quickly apologised. Sidmouth councillor Stuart Hughes said he had 'serious concerns' about the use of marquees for wedding receptions, because of the time needed to set up equipment and dismantle it after the event.

He said: "Many visitors come to Sidmouth to see our beautiful gardens and for these to be out of bounds for four or five days will affect tourism. There are hotels, Kennaway House etc, where receptions can be held."

What the district council is now proposing

The district council has now drawn up amended proposals, which will be discussed by Sidmouth Town Council this evening (Monday, April 19).

Events officer Angela Gordon Lennox has now written to the town council saying around 30 requests for weddings at Connaught Gardens have been received, but the intention is for this to happen 'slowly and sensitively', with no more than six a year taking place.

She said: "We have a booking for a wedding ceremony at Connaught Gardens on Saturday 14th August of this year. Only the bandstand gardens will be closed and for a very limited time period (approx. 3-5pm). It is for the ceremony only for circa 80 people (the reception is being held elsewhere) and there will be no marquee. We intend on sending a consultation email out, as per our process, in the next day or two. We intend this ceremony to act as a trial.

"Please be aware that we have currently paused the marketing of Connaught Gardens for weddings so that we can gather additional feedback to supplement those that have come through local residents and social media channels, and we would very much like your input."

She added that she and Nick Christo from the district council's StreetScene team will attend the meeting on Monday to answer any questions from councillors.