By Jade Lawton
Alison and Matthew Eno, pictured with daughter Miranda, want Cardinia Shire Council to approve a wedding expo at the historic Little Road Chapel. 41807
WHERE is the love?
The owners of Iona’s Little Road Chapel are asking just that after Cardinia Shire Council said no to a wedding expo on the grounds of the historic chapel.
Alison Eno said her husband, Matthew, had contacted the council to inquire about holding an expo, but was told the event would not be possible as it is not detailed in their business permit.
Just a few months ago, the couple were celebrating a VCAT decision to extend their permit hours from 6pm to 11.30pm, after a two-year battle with council.
“The expo would showcase all the local wedding related businesses,” Mrs Eno said.
“There’s a wedding photographer, cake decorator, a make-up artist, and around the corner is a horse and carriage place.”
Mrs Eno said many people did not know about the many wedding-related businesses in the region and an expo would help promote the chapel and other businesses to brides.
“It’s just very frustrating when you are trying to promote your business and other businesses as well,” she said.
“They have not been supportive of our business at all.”
Council spokesman Paul Dunlop said that to hold a wedding expo, the business owners would have to apply for a new permit or amend their current permit at VCAT.
“Under the permit issued, no function is permitted to be conducted on the land except a wedding ceremony and wedding celebration,” he said.
“The applicant would need to apply to amend the current permit via Cardinia Shire Council or VCAT.
“The applicant can also apply for a new permit for a wedding expo via council.” Mrs Eno said she would continue to lobby to hold the expo at the chapel, but if not successful, host it at a nearby hall and bus people to the grounds.
“There are expos at the Cardinia Cultural Centre – but then again, that is council owned,” she said.
“It’s just ridiculous.”
