Vineyard business 'under threat'

Award-winning wine makers in Powys claim a council decision forcing them to shut a farm shop is putting their vineyard business at risk.

Powys council issued an enforcement order against Penarth Vineyard, near Newtown, for running a retail outlet without planning permission.

But owners Bernard and Tanya Herbert said permission was not needed because it was an agricultural development.

The council said businesses had to run within legal and planning regulations.

Mr Herbert said the retail side of his sparkling and still wine business had collapsed since he had been forced to shut up shop.

The Herberts' eight acres of vines in fields on the outskirts of Newtown were planted in 1999, and are an unfamiliar sight in an area not renowned for its warm weather.

'Threatening'

"The shop was used as a tasting room and we'd sell ancillary items like chocolate and cheese. It was like a farm shop," said Mr Herbert.

"It's an agricultural development and therefore not subject to planning permission, but Powys council says it is a retail development and subject to planning permission.

"Since we closed the shop the retail sales have ceased and we're relying on wholesale. It's been closed since mid-July and it's threatening out business."

Mr Herbert said his must own the only vineyard in the world "without a cellar door".

A Powys council spokesman said: "The council served a planning enforcement notice on Penarth Vineyard, Newtown last August for operating a retail business without planning permission.

"Proceedings were due before Welshpool magistrates last week but were deferred for a month.

"The county council is very supportive of Penarth Vineyard as it is with all Powys businesses but they must operate within legal and planning regulations."

Penarth Vineyard has won a Decanter award for its pink sparkling wine.