Shropshire brewery plots expansion to produce cider and honey
Simon Smith of Mad Badger Brewery has submitted a planning application for a “wetland ecological resource”, three polytunnels and a processing barn
A Shropshire brewery wants to expand so it can diversify into cider production.
Simon Smith of Mad Badger Brewery said the business has grown and he now wants to expand towards a sustainable, long-term rural enterprise.
He has submitted a planning application for a “wetland ecological resource”, three polytunnels and a processing barn on land south of Criftins, near Ellesmere.
Mr Smith has told Shropshire Council the scheme would enable productive, sustainable use of the land.
"The scale is modest, the impact minimal, and the purpose wholly aligned with established agricultural practice," he said.
"This project represents both a practical agricultural venture and a meaningful return to the county where I grew up and intend to build my long-term future."
The application also includes plans for beehives in order to produce honey that would be managed by Neil Perkins, of Jana Bee.
"Beekeeping has been a long-standing interest of mine," Mr Perkins said in a statement submitted with the application.
"I previously established a small operation called Jana Bee, managing hives from my back garden in Moseley, Birmingham for two years.
"While productive, it became clear that keeping bees in a dense urban environment is not ideal - swarms in built-up areas are rarely welcomed.
"As part of this new rural enterprise, I have consulted with a school friend from Powys who now heads the East Midlands Beekeepers Association.
"He will be assisting with the establishment and management of the hives on site, ensuring best practice from day one. Together, we intend to introduce a selection of wildflowers to support pollinators and enhance the quality of the locally produced Shropshire honey.
"This combination of experience, expert support, and habitat enhancement strengthens the agricultural justification for the proposed structures."
Access would be via the existing agricultural access point. Mr Smith said traffic generation would be modest and primarily associated with orchard management, occasional deliveries and seasonal harvest operations.
Anyone who wishes to view the plans or comment can do so by searching for reference 26/03108/FUL via Shropshire Council's planning portal.
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