Becky and Ian Sheveling's Holmfirth vineyard’s eco plans

Jan 2 2010 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AN ECO LODGE and visitor centre are among the plans being proposed by Holmfirth Vineyard.

The 7,000-vine project – above Holmbridge – has applied to Kirklees Council for permission to extend its existing winery and develop more facilities for tourists.

The vineyard was hand-planted by Becky and Ian Sheveling during the winter of 2007 after the couple bought the derelict Woodhouse Farm, off Woodhouse Lane.

Now, as they prepare for their first harvest in September 2010, the pair are hoping to make the site even more appealing to visitors and create a sustainable future for their growing business.

Plans have been submitted to extend the site’s existing winery building to create a circular visitor centre with facilities for wine tasting.

The development will include a seated area for people to appreciate the stunning vineyard views. There will also be an English wine shop, selling the vineyard’s own produce.

Below the extension – in an old quarry area – there are plans to build an underground eco-pod offering five-star accommodation.

The five or seven-bedroomed lodge will be used to house people attending wine-making courses. It will also offer workers somewhere to sleep during the harvest.