Controversial Winery Plans Approved, Sparking Local Outrage

Plans for a new winery in Kent have been approved by Gravesham Council, drawing sharp criticism from local residents who argue the development undermines the region’s natural beauty. The owner of Cobham House Vineyard, Pallab Sengupta, purchased the nearly 29-acre estate off Gold Street, intending to produce an estimated 60,000 bottles of sparkling and still wines annually by 2027.

Residents had hoped the area would become Kent’s equivalent of the Lake District, but many now view the winery as a detriment to the landscape. Local voices, including Dr. Rubin Minhas, have expressed concerns regarding the size and design of the planned facility. Dr. Minhas characterized the proposed structure as “monstrous,” stating it could overshadow the natural surroundings and likening it to “taller than the Berlin Wall.”

The council’s planning officers initially informed Sengupta that he required prior approval for construction, leading to a series of assessments on landscaping, noise, and ecological impact. The building, which is slated to be over 40 meters long and 9 meters tall, is classified as agricultural development, which limits the factors that can be considered in the approval process.

During a recent council meeting, five members voted in favor of the project, while four opposed it. The discussions highlighted significant concerns about the methodology of the assessments conducted. Dr. Minhas pointed out that traffic surveys were carried out while the road was closed, and noise assessments were conducted without actual bottling operations taking place.

“It is like testing a school fire alarm with the batteries out,” remarked Dakota Dibben, a council member representing Istead Rise, Cobham, and Luddesdown. She and fellow council members criticized the planning department’s handling of the approvals, suggesting that the winery could compromise the integrity of the landscape.

Planning officers defended their assessments, stating that noise measurements were taken from a similar-sized winery in Kent, although bottling was not occurring at the time of testing. They asserted that the noise levels from the winery would not negatively impact local residents. According to their report, bottling would only occur for 20 hours each year.

Despite the controversy, some community members have voiced support for the winery, suggesting it would promote British agriculture and enhance the area’s charm. One supporter noted that the project could serve as an asset for the region, contributing to local economic growth.

Sengupta has acknowledged the concerns raised by residents but maintains that the size and location of the winery are essential for the business’s success. His legal representative emphasized that the council conducted a thorough and fair assessment of the issues at hand.

The approval of the winery has sparked a broader discussion about the balance between development and preserving natural landscapes. With mixed reactions from the community, the project is poised to shape the future of the region, as local residents grapple with the implications of the new winery on their quality of life.