A "lost" village wiped out by the Black Death in 1349 has become a popular wedding venue - to the concern of people living nearby.

A former Norman church, built on the site 900 years ago, is to host up to 42 marriage ceremonies a year, despite objections from the parish council.

The Lost Village of Dode, near Luddesdown, between Gravesend and Rochester, stands on a man-made mound known as Holly Hill, and has been booking weddings for nine years, with up to 45 guests.

Light is provided by candles and braziers, and straw and leaves scented with herbs cover the floor.

Owner Doug Chapman already had a licence to conduct 33 ceremonies a year, but has been given permission by Kent County Council to add nine more.

Fears of traffic problems along the single-track access road, and of noise and disturbance from visitors, had brought objections from Gravesham MP Adam Holloway, Luddesdown Parish Council and Gravesham Borough Council.

However, Adrian Crowther, vice-chairman of the county council's regulation committee, said: "We visited the site and saw it was quite an enchanting venue."

He said the few accidents on the country lanes could not be attributed to the venue, and its thick walls would prevent noise problems.