Brewery taproom at Unit 6 Burke Road, Totnes

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to use part of the brewery building and external space as an ancillary taproom selling and serving brewery products.

“Planning permission is sought retrospectively for the change of use of part of the building and a section of external space to form a tap room ancillary to the existing brewery.”

“The use would allow for the on‑site sale and consumption of products produced within the brewery and would operate as a complementary function to the primary industrial use. It should be noted that the applicant has described this use as falling within Class E (b), however for the purposes of this application, the use class is better described as being a Sui Generis use that is ancillary to the brewery. The proposal is considered accordingly.”

Officer report

The site

The site is an existing brewery unit in an industrial estate outside the town centre, near commercial, industrial and healthcare occupiers, within Flood Zone 3.

“The application site comprises an existing commercial unit within an established industrial estate on the edge of Totnes. The unit is currently in use as a brewery (Class B2) with associated external yard space.”

“The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of commercial and industrial uses, together with some non‑industrial occupiers including a neighbouring healthcare business. The site lies outside the defined town centre but remains well related it.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The town council supported linking the use to the current occupier, highways found no implications, and one representation raised concerns about noise, behaviour and neighbouring businesses.

“Support, subject to the change of use to Class E being linked to the current occupier of the building.”

“One letter of representation from a third party has been received raising concerns regarding potential noise disturbance and behaviour associated with alcohol consumption, particularly during daytime hours, and the potential impact on the operation of adjacent businesses.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local ward member said the business leased the building and external space, and that discussions had taken place to regularise the use.

Members’ discussion

Members were told the use already operated during restricted hours, and that licensing could impose shorter hours if necessary; members supported the application.

“Comment received from Totnes Town Council since the publication of the agenda, raising if approval given would licensing agree times of use and tables outside. The Case Officer reported that licensing and planning were different regimes. This condition provides the maximum opening hours for the Tap Room and if licensing choose to reduce those hours that was acceptable.”

“In response to questions raised, it was reported that this was a use already occurring on site within quite restricted hours. Maximum hours to be granted permissible from a planning perspective in terms of the needs of residents and nearby occupiers. Licensing if they wish could impose restrictive hours if they deemed it necessary.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee proposed and seconded support for the officer’s recommendation.

“It was then PROPOSED and SECONDED to support the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted conditional approval, requiring compliance with plans, an ancillary brewery relationship, operating hours and no amplified music outdoors.

“Conditions: Accord with plans 2. Use to remain ancillary to brewery 3. Hours of use (including external area)”

Minutes