Planning permission rejected for Guernsey vineyard

Planning permission for a new vineyard and winery in the west of Guernsey has been refused by the island's government.

The Development and Planning Authority (DPA) rejected the application for the proposed development on the Pleinmont headland in Torteval, because of reasons including the possible impact on the character of the landscape.

The DPA also said there was insufficient information about the impact of noise and extra vehicles, and the new development did not meet the requirements of States horticulture policies.

Sommelier Jacob Cherry, who put in the application, said the owners "welcomed the feedback" and would decide on their next steps shortly.

Mr Cherry said the novelty of running a vineyard and wine tasting business in Guernsey made the planning process more complicated, but he expected revised plans to be approved once he was able to supply more information.

The DPA said it had received seven letters raising points, including the effect on the headland's biodiversity, the likelihood of the business to succeed, as well as noise and light pollution.

La Societe Guernesiaise had also raised concerns including the impact on the skyline and on wildlife habitats, the DPA said.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].