VINEYARD entrepreneurs have raised a glass to the future after their delayed expansion plans were given the green light.
Holmfirth Vineyard owners, Ian and Becky Sheveling, were dealt a blow when their proposal to open a tourist attraction was hit by planning changes imposed by the incoming government.
The couple’s £600,000 proposal to expand their wine making business to include a visitor centre and carbon neutral eco-lodge had already been given the thumbs up by Kirklees Council last April.
But it was scuppered when the new Tory government scrapped a key planning policy at the start of July.
The decision meant the couple, who appeared on Channel 5 programme Build a New Life In The Country for the second time yesterday, had an anxious wait after they were forced to resubmit their scheme for review by the Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee.
But the Holmbridge residents were celebrating last Thursday after councillors on the committee gave the slightly amended plans the green light.
Mr Sheveling said he was “absolutely ecstatic” to have been given the go-ahead.
He said: “We’ve had to come back on a technicality but it was very worrying for us because we spent thousands of pounds on fees.
“We hope to start building work in September and the new visitor centre should be completed by March.
“We’re hoping to open it on bank holiday weekend in April.
“It’s going to bring more jobs to the area, we’ve already taken on our first former Holmfirth High School students.
“We are trying to make quality wines and they are going to learn to be top wine makers.”
Veteran Holme Valley councillor, Ken Sims, said he was fully behind the proposal.
He added: “I wish them all the best, it’s a huge investment and I hope it will bring more tourism to the village.”
The vineyard, which produced its first wine last year, is one of only five in Yorkshire.
It already offers daily tours but is now set to become one of the Holme Valley’s main tourist attractions.
The plan, which was backed by several local councillors, MP Jason McCartney, Yorkshire Forward and the Holme Valley Parish Council, will see a semi-circular extension added to the end of the current building with an external seating area.
The two storey eco-lodge will be set into an embankment and will include a host of environmental features including a grass roof, solar panels, air source heat pumps and a 9m (18ft) wind turbine.
The couple already employ six part time workers and three full time staff could now be taken on.
CONTACT: Go on line at: www.holmfirthvineyard.com
