What looked like a done deal for plans to open a wedding and reception venue near Wright City was stymied by a last-minute protest from nearby residents.The protest was filed just before 4 p.m. Monday, March 27, the final day protests were accepted on a conditional use permit for John and Simeen Cook to build a venue on North Stringtown Road near Interstate 70.A group of nearby residents previously expressed their opposition to the permit at a public hearing in February, but the Warren County Planning and Zoning Commission approved the permit March 16.A protest letter filed Monday states that traffic and noise from the venue will create safety risks, limit the enjoyment of property and decrease surrounding property values.The permit will now go to the Warren County Commission for consideration at another public comment session. The date and time for that hearing will be determined within 30 days of filing the protest, County Clerk Barb Daly said.The commission will then have another 45 days to rule on the case.In considering the proposal for the venue, which the Cooks plan to call The Renaissance, the planning and zoning commission attempted to address traffic and noise concerns.County road department Supervisor Gary Ruether stated that traffic to The Renaissance would not create a safety issue on North Stringtown Road as long as no cars park on the road and the venue has two adequately sized entrances. Both conditions were listed as part of the permit.Planning and zoning commissioners also required outdoor music and sound systems to be off by 7 p.m., prohibited outdoor bands and DJs, and said indoor music must end by 10 p.m. The protest lists loud voices and car engines as additional sources of “noise pollution.” Those were not addressed in the conditional use permit.Wedding venue site