A Retrospective planning application to change the use of a brewery in Flookburgh into a whisky distillery has been granted.
Halewood Artisanal, a London-based international drinks company, submitted the application to the former South Lakeland District Council relating to The Brewhouse on Moor Lane to raise a part of the roof of the building to allow for the installation of a continuous still – an essential piece of kit in the distilling process.
Brands under the Halewood umbrella include Whitely Neill Gin, J.J. Whitley, Crabbie’s, and Dead Man’s Fingers.
The company signed an investment deal in 2017 with Hawkshead Brewery, which had previously occupied The Brewhouse.
The Westmorland and Furness Council delegated report explaining the decision said:
“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use from a brewery to a whisky distillery and the building alterations to facilitate improved production and the installation of two additional malt silos on an area of hardstanding.
“The application is largely retrospective as the development is almost complete.
“The proposal won’t cause significant harm to the wider visual amenity of the area as the extended building isn’t significantly taller than the surrounding commercial buildings.
“The proposed distillery may impact nearby holiday properties due to impacts from odour.
“The level of impact would be no greater than the previous lawful use as a brewery, and controls can be exerted under the Environment Act, so no further information is required from the applicant.
“Significant impacts from noise are unlikely given the distance to nearby properties and the scale of the operation.”
Source: nwemail
