An Isle of Wight farm is looking to stay afloat by partially turning into a microbrewery.
Great Span Farm, in Wroxall, is trying to diversify its income after having to reduce in size over recent years.
Not economically viable as a farming business
Now the family-run farm is left with a small flock of sheep and woodland, but it is currently not economically viable as a farming business so it is exploring other avenues.
It is proposed by Christopher Corry, to turn part of a barn into a microbrewery, cold store and office, while retaining the other half for agricultural purposes.
‘Littleloud’ microbrewery
Planning documents on behalf of the farm, submitted to the Isle of Wight council by BCM, says there is now the opportunity to start a brewery operation, called ‘Littleloud’, a small craft brewery and apple mill.
The farm has planted more than 1,000 apple trees in the past two years, ahead of the brewery, so it can make apple juice, cider and chutneys in future years when the trees start to mature.
The barn is said to be in need of repair and renovation and general tidying up of the site will take place if the plans are approved.
View the plans
You can view the application, 23/00764/FUL, on the council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 12th June
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Susan Jensen under CC BY 2.0
