Controversial plans for a wedding venue and reception hall on North Stringtown Road outside Wright City have been approved by the Warren County Commission.A group of area residents had opposed the venue because they say it will create too much noise and traffic, and that they are concerned about drunk drivers. However, commissioners decided May 18 that conditions set out in a permit for the business were enough to address those concerns.Owners John and Simeen Cook received a conditional use permit in March to open a wedding venue on their 12-acre property at 29131 N. Stringtown Road, about a quarter-mile north of the Interstate 70 North Outer Road. They want to establish a scenic locale called the Renaissance, where couples can get married outdoors. The Cooks plan to build a new indoor reception hall there that could fit more than 200 people.Opponents filed a protest against that permit 11 days later, and a protest hearing was held April 29.In denying the protest, commissioners said they had taken time to consider the factors in play.“We’ve heard all the evidence that has been presented to us. … We have inspected the property, we looked around at surrounding properties,” said Presiding Commissioner Roger Mauzy.“We’ve discussed this at length. Our decision is not going to be a hasty decision.”Before making the ruling, Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner asked how the Cooks would prevent inebriated clients from driving away from the property. John Cook replied that employees would actively help guests find friends to take them home or call a taxi if needed. Commissioners also asked the Cooks to clarify how they would monitor security at the venue and mark the boundaries of their property. The answers seemed to satisfy commissioners, and they ruled that the wedding venue could be allowed without harming the enjoyment or value of nearby properties.The Cooks will have to abide by stipulations set out in their conditional use permit. Those include a prohibition of outdoor music after 7 p.m. and no outdoor bands or DJs whatsoever. The restrictions also limit the number of weddings on the property to two per day.Simeen Cook asked if the commission would allow a higher number of weddings if they were smaller events, but the commissioners declined.“Prove to the neighbors that you are good neighbors, then come back to planning and zoning and have it permitted,” Kluesner said. “You have to prove yourself within the community.”Because of an error in the planning and zoning process, the Cooks are seeking a separate retail permit to allow them to use an existing house on the property for a winetasting business open to daily visits. That permit was approved and protested in late April. The county commission plans to hold a protest hearing June 1, at 6 p.m. at the Warren County Administration Building.Wedding venue