FROM BEER to nuptials, that’s the aim of new plans in Bishopsteignton.
The building which housed Red Rock microbrewery could be used for events from weddings to wakes, if Teignbridge Council planners agree.
A planning application for a change of use has been submitted for the site at Humber Barn.
In a statement, the applicants say the barn building previously used for brewing beer would be ‘ideal’ to be used in conjunction with the existing Humber Barn, currently a successful community and entertainment centre.
Now in its eighth year of operation, it is used for weddings, wakes, parties, local community events including the Bishopsteignton Players, various fairs including the Christmas fair.
There are also summer activities at weekends for the benefit of the community of Bishopsteignton and surrounding area.
Red Rock Brewery has now moved off site and the building that it occupied is empty and unused.
The business at Humber Barn has expanded and there are hopes to use the old brewery for wedding and funeral ceremonies.
This would allow the adjoining old workshop to continue its current use as a hospitality area.
The wedding business has increased over recent years and is currently running 52 weddings a year.
The addition of a designated ‘chapel’ area would enable considerably improved ‘site efficiency’, the statement says, and allow those attending to move freely between the areas without interruption to the proceedings and comfort of guests.
The change of use would improve on site safety with the removal of brewery drays and commercial vehicles visiting the site, commercial loading and delivery of brewing materials. The access road has already been upgraded and hard surfaced.
The total site currently employs one full time staff member and seven part time and expanding the business would create additional jobs.
There is already on-site parking for 50 vehicles with additional unlimited parking in the adjacent field when large functions are taking place.
Teignbridge Council planners will make a decision at a future date.