An ongoing row between an Aldenham temple and a council planning committee has resulted in the scheduling of a three-day public inquiry.

Planning inspectors have taken the unusual step of hearing three different appeals on the same application after a “complicated” argument over the erection of a temporary wedding marquee.

Residents previously complained about noise levels coming from the marquee, erected every summer at Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Hilfield Lane, since 2002.

Temple officials were told to obtain planning permission for the marquee for the first time earlier this year - but the plans were rejected by the Bushey and Aldenham Planning Committee in June.

The temple's subsequent appeal has led to the scheduling of a public inquiry, but this will not be heard until February, leaving residents, councillors and temple officials at a stand-off.

Conservative councillor for Aldenham West, Simon Patnick, sits on the Bushey and Aldenham planning committee.

When asked if he felt the situation had got out of hand, he said: “I think ultimately there is strong feelings on both sides as to what is acceptable. The marquee has been in place for a few years and residents have issues with that – it therefore needs planning permission.

“There is a lot of history to this application. Whilst a three-day inquiry is a long time, hopefully it will provide a resolution for the council, the residents and the temple.”

Due to the site's location on an area of green belt land, two applications were submitted – one for planning permission and a second for a Lawful Development Certificate.

Both applications were refused, leading council officers to serve an enforcement notice on the temple ordering that the marquee be taken down and prevented from being erected again.

Temple officials have now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against both decisions and the enforcement notice.

These will be assessed at the public inquiry, held at the council's civic offices, in Elstree Way, Borehamwood, between February 15 and 17.