Residents near The Monal by Jalwa, a wedding venue in West Yorkshire, UK, have lodged multiple complaints with local authorities, describing their lives as "hell" due to noise and disturbances originating from the venue. The venue, which opened in June of the previous year, hosts large weddings for up to 800 guests and was formerly the site of the Aakash Indian restaurant.
Neighbors report a persistent barrage of revving supercar engines, akin to living next to a "Formula 1 track," along with loud ceremonial drumming and late-night fireworks and flares. These disturbances are said to occur frequently, particularly during the peak wedding season from May to September, with events sometimes extending beyond the 11 p.m. curfew. Footage has emerged showing colored flares being set off, creating smoke that engulfs the surrounding area and properties.
One resident, Tim Miller, 68, has filed three complaints with Kirklees Council and stated that he and his wife now spend more time at their caravan in Bridlington to escape the noise. Alina Leipina, 35, a mother of one, expressed her distress, noting that fireworks at night have caused her son to cry out of fear. Another resident, a 76-year-old man, described how the constant engine revving makes it impossible to hear television, a stark contrast to the quieter operations of the previous restaurant.
The situation has been exacerbated by wedding guests arriving in fleets of luxury cars, including Lamborghinis and Bentleys. Residents have also reported instances of guests throwing plastic cups and beer bottles into their gardens. David Craven, 71, who lives adjacent to the venue, noted that while the previous restaurant was quiet, the current situation is "the complete opposite." Concerns have also been raised about parking, with cars blocking pavements and hindering access for emergency services like fire engines and ambulances.
Despite signs being posted around the venue warning visitors against revving engines, residents claim these warnings have been ineffective. The building itself is a Grade II listed structure dating back to the 1850s, which originally served as a church before its restoration and transformation into the Aakash restaurant in 2001. It was sold in 2022 and subsequently converted into the wedding venue.
Kirklees Council has stated it is aware of the ongoing noise concerns and is collaborating with West Yorkshire Police and other agencies to find a resolution. Councillor Pip Harvey, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Place, Culture and Volunteering, noted that an 11 p.m. curfew is already in place and that recent investigations have found no evidence that fireworks are being set off by the venue itself. The council is also working with police to address parking issues.
Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Spen Valley, has visited the venue and urged residents to report any instances of fireworks or antisocial behavior to the council and police. The venue and Leadbeater have been approached for comment, while West Yorkshire Police declined to comment.