Plans have been drawn up for a distillery which could produce almost 200,000 bottles of spirits per year.

The proposal would see an existing agricultural storage building at a vineyard in East Brabourne, near Ashford, converted into an industrial facility for the production of alcohol.

Several objections have been raised by neighbours in the village, who believe it is inappropriate for The Magnum Building in The Street to be converted in this manner.

They argue the industrial nature of the distillery is out of place for the rural setting and more suitable premises could be found in Ashford.

"The proposed change of use will create local employment opportunities, will make use of a vacant building and contribute to the vitality and viability of East Brabourne," the planning statement in support of the plans states.

Wineburner LLP, the firm behind the plans, says the operation would have a production capacity of around 15,000 bottles per month and any deliveries of raw materials for the distilling process will take place weekly.

The application for the change of use says it is expected the factory could have a permanent staff of five by the second year of production, which would take place between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Friday.

Previously Ashford Borough Council granted permission for the site to be used as a viticulture education centre for Hadlow College, but restructuring at the college led to this plan being dropped.

Subsequently the green light was given in 2019 for the erection of the vineyard storage building which is now earmarked for conversion.

The site is located within the North Downs AONB, on the northern side of The Street adjacent to Court Lodge, a grade II listed building.

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