A farm could be transformed into a wedding venue with accommodation for guests.

If plans are given the green light, Great Napchester Farm in Whitfield, Dover, would see a Grade II-listed six-bed house turned into accommodation, a barn used for wedding receptions and functions, and five shepherd huts pitched on spare land.

The application, lodged with Dover District Council, explains the farm is no longer only used for agriculture but now consists of an office, pottery studio and storage of property maintenance materials.

The barn, which has space for 150 people, has already been fitted with a bar and loos, while no changes are proposed for the house, which would provide accommodation for the bride and groom.

Guests could stay in the shepherd’s huts, which would each sleep up to two people, if approved.

Documents explain the huts will be in a “discreet contained location”, and “will have no impact on the landscape character of the countryside”.

The application says: “Being shepherd huts they will not be fixed to the ground and will be ‘off grid’.

“Internally each hut will have a bathroom/shower, kitchenette, and bedroom. The shepherd huts will only be used in connection with any functions and events held on the site, not as separate holiday lets.”

Apart from security, traffic management, transport and serving of drinks, the customer will be responsible for providing all food, catering, entertainment (including music) and decorations.

In a bid to keep noise disruption low, functions and events will start no earlier than midday and end at 11.15pm. Bands and music will stop playing at 11pm in the barn and marquee, and sound systems will be fitted with a noise limiter device. The doors and windows to the barn will be closed at all times.

The applicant, William Sedgwick, has also pledged to “minimise traffic in the wider countryside” by telling all customers to arrive from Whitfield direction.

A parking area, fitting up to 62 cars, would be made to the south of the barn using heavy-duty parking mats to prevent wear and tear on the land and allow vehicles to enter and exit the parking areas safely. Two parking spaces close to the barn will have EV charging points.

The plans also state a member of staff will be on hand to direct and manage traffic during a 90-minute arrival and exit period.

“At busier events, vehicles will released from the site in phases to further minimise the impacts on the highway. Two minibuses will be available for hire which will be driven by staff.

“All customers will be encouraged to make use of the service in order to minimise any impacts on the highway. Collection points will be agreed with the customer on a need-by-need basis,” the documents say.

The venue would be available for hire one in four weekdays and four weekends during a month. During the period from March through to September, there will be a maximum of two events per week, one weekday and one weekend.

The applicant feels consequently there is unlikely to be a significant impact on the highway and traffic movements.

Documents conclude: “The funds gained from the proposed use of the land will allow the landowner to enhance and preserve the heritage asset which provides a public benefit.

“The use of the land for functions, events and ancillary accommodation allows for the growth of a rural-based business, results in employment, benefits local businesses, promotes tourism, results in funds to preserve and enhance the heritage asset without causing a harmful impact on the landscape character of the countryside.”

In the summer, permission was granted to hold weddings at the nearby Kearsney Abbey in Temple Ewell.

The park's cafe and billiards room will play host to the events, which will also include meetings, conferences and private events. No more than 40 people will be able to attend at one time.

Earlier this year, approval was also granted for weddings to be held at Grade II-listed 18th century Ripple Court, on the outskirts of Deal. A marquee will be used to host up to 30 events each year at the country house.