A GROUP of angry residents revealed they are fighting against plans to build a huge £30million winery dubbed “vinicultural Disneyland”.
Around 60 locals in North Downs Kent, have formed an organisation called “The Guardians of the Cuxton Countryside”, to protect the undeveloped land of the Cuxton section.
Plans were submitted to Medway Council for a wine processing facility, visitors centre, restaurant, coffee shop and presentation room within the Silverhand Estate vineyard in 2022.
MDVC UK, which owns the vineyard, is set for a second attempt to get plans for a permanent facility approved, according to KentOnline.
Paul Pattison, leader of the residents group, said they are ready to fight the application again.
Despite not being the “decision makers” the group aims to inform the council of the negative aspects of building the new winery.
They have a bigger vision than they’re willing to admit
Paul Pattison
Residents claim that the proposed site will sit in the Green Belt along the North Down Kents which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The winery would also be less than 100m away from Upper Bush Valley – a registered Conservation Area.
The 65-year-old historian explained that the plans to build the winery would damage or spoil the rural landscape.
“A development of this size has to show it has exceptional circumstances and prove it is of national importance which both the council and the public inspector both denied,” he added.
Yet, the local’s complaints have not deterred those behind the scheme.
Gary Smith, the company’s chief executive, hopes the site will be theirs following a “few modifications”.
MDVC UK aims to produce a whopping 4,000 tonnes of wine in Cuxton but said taking the fruit off-site would cause transport problems.
However, “The Guardians of the Cuxton Countryside” feels the winery group is “patronising” them by harbouring ulterior motives for their plans.
The angry residents claimed the group wanted to turn their vineyard into a tourist attraction, “where they can show off their wine while looking over the North Downs sunset”.
“They have a bigger vision than they’re willing to admit,” Paul added.
One local group member dubbed the scheme a “vinicultural Disneyland”.
Although no official plans have been submitted, Paul hopes the new Labour-led council will side with the residents.
In response, Silverhand Estates said they had made changes to have less of an effect on the impact on the countryside.
A spokesperson for the firm added: “The changes are significant and mean the concerns of the inspector have been addressed and we hope the local area would be proud of this unique and iconic build in the area.”
The Sun has approached Silverhand Estates and “The Guardians of the Cuxton Countryside” for comment.
It comes after furious protests broke out at a “rotten” tower block where hundreds were kicked out – and with no idea when they could go home.
And chaos erupted on a quiet street after defiant neighbours desperately tried to stop council bullies from painting yellow lines on their road.
