Cleckheaton residents living near one of Britain's biggest wedding venues say late night noise is making their lives 'hell'
Residents have criticised one of Britain's biggest wedding venues which they say is keeping them awake at night with the sound of fireworks and revving supercars.
The Monal by Jalwa, on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton, says it can cater for up to 800 guests and sits just metres from dozens of flats whose residents say their lives have been made “hell” for the past year.
The two-storey Grade II-listed venue opened in June 2025. During the summer period, locals say there can be up to three weddings a day.
The complaints come as signs have been erected around the venue warning visitors not to rev engines – but locals say they have “done nothing”.
Tim Miller, 68, has complained to Kirklees Council on three occasions.
He said: “Nothing has changed for the better - if anything the cars revving in the car park has become worse.”
Mum-of-one Alina Leipina, 35, said: “I wasn't aware of the plans to convert it into a wedding venue, so it came as a shock to me and my family.
“When the fireworks go off at night when my son is asleep, sometimes they make him cry out of fear.”
For two decades the venue, which dates back to the 1850s, was home to the world's largest Indian restaurant, called the Aakash, until it closed down in November 2022.
It was then sold before being transformed into the wedding venue three years later.
The conversion project was overseen by entrepreneur Akbar Ali, who oversaw the project alongside his dad, Imran Ali, who are co-founders of the company.
David Craven, 71, whose house is near the venue, said he never minded the Aakash as it was “quiet”.
He said: “I have lived here for eight years now with my wife.
“I had no problem with the Indian restaurant. They were relaxed and played by the rules.
“But now it is the complete opposite.”
He also complained about how cars park on both sides of the pavements, blocking Bradford Road.
Another resident, Reuben McKaay, 38, said: “We don't have a problem with the culture, in fact, I like watching the ceremonies.
“We just wish they would be more respectful and understanding towards us.”
Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater visited the venue earlier this year after concerns were raised by residents.
She said: “I recently convened a multi-agency, cross-party meeting at my office with the police, council, local councillors and the venue owner to address serious complaints about The Monal wedding venue in Cleckheaton.
“We agreed on actions to tackle dangerous driving, noise and fireworks, but disappointingly, the situation did not improve.
“I have now pressed the council and police to use their full enforcement powers to protect the safety and quality of life of local people.
“I always want to support local businesses, but anti-social behaviour that severely disrupts residents' lives simply cannot be tolerated.”
Kirklees Council said it is “aware of ongoing concerns regarding noise”.
It also said it is working with West Yorkshire Police, other agencies and the venue to find a “suitable resolution”.
Councillor Pip Harvey, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for place, culture and volunteering, said: “There is already an 11pm curfew in place, and recent investigations found no evidence that reports of fireworks are linked to, or being set off by the venue itself.”
The council also said it is working with police to “address concerns relating to nuisance parking”.
The Monal by Jalwa has been approached for comment.
West Yorkshire Police declined to comment.