Future of vineyard at risk as shop shut
Monday 3rd August 2009, 10:40AM BST.
Owners of a Powys vineyard say their business is at risk because of a council decision which forced them to shut their farm shop.
Powys County Council has issued an enforcement order against Penarth Vineyard, near Newtown, for running a retail outlet without planning permission.
But owners Bernard and Tanya Herbert claim permission is not needed because it is an agricultural development.
Mr Herbert said the retail side of his wine business had collapsed since he had been forced to shut last month.
He said: “The shop was used as a tasting room and we’d sell ancillary items like chocolate and cheese. It was like a farm shop.
“It’s an agricultural development and therefore not subject to planning permission, but Powys council says it is a retail development and subject to planning permission.
“Since we closed the shop the retail sales have ceased and we’re relying on wholesale. It’s been closed since mid-July and it’s threatening out business.”
John Evans, communications manager for Powys County Council, said: “Proceedings were due before Welshpool magistrates last week but have been deferred. The county council is very supportive of Penarth Vineyard as it is with all Powys businesses but they must operate within legal and planning regulations.”
The case will go before magistrates in October.
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How sad when a council employs staff who do not know the law.
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