The County Commission voted Wednesday to allow further expansion of the Howe Farms wedding venue at Dolly Pond Road at Georgetown.
The commission approved requests by David Howe relating to an additional 10 acres he acquired. He plans to convert an existing house into a bed and breakfast and to build a house for a short term vacation rental behind it.
Those opposed included Tim Boyd and Katherlyn Geter.
A neighbor said the wedding venue expansion has brought traffic and noise problems to the formerly quiet location. She said those headed to the venue but who became lost had torn up her driveway.
Mr. Howe said the property already features five wedding venues and a sixth is being added.
He said some guests want to spend the night on the property, and that was the reason for the request.
Commissioner Boyd said it has been his experience that wedding venues "don't cut off at 11 p.m. They go on to 1 a.m. or more."
He added, "I can't see that this would be good for this whole area."
Commissioner Warren Mackey was in favor, saying it would bring more tax revenue.
He said, "This area is so spread out that there can't be that much traffic out there."