The historic Grim's Dyke Hotel has lost its appeal over council demands that it remove a marquee from its grounds in Old Redding, Harrow Weald.

An order against the former home of Sir William Gilbert was approved by Harrow's development and planning committee last year because councillors believed the permanent marquee breached planning controls, causing loss of openness and visual harm to the area.

A decision on the appeal was made in April and the hotel was given six months to comply so it would not have to cancel any weddings to be held in the marquee.

This condition will be put on hold, however, pending the hotel's intention to bring the matter to the High Court.

Labour planning spokesman Councillor Navin Shah was pleased the hotel lost the appeal.

"It could be a marquee today, but a more permanent structure tomorrow, and we are not falling for that," he said.

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