A new Shotley peninsula venture has taken another step closer to opening its doors, once the lock down is over.

Shotley Vineyard, down Frog's Alley by St Mary's Church, has applied for a licence enabling it to sell alcohol within restricted hours on site, and 24/7 via its online e-commerce website.

Owners Charlotte and Craig Davitt-Mills are looking to use the vineyard and barn to host wedding receptions, wine-tasting sessions, show promotional films and offer tours of the vineyard.

The area will also provide a small glamping site, with campers using it a a base for sight-seeing, walks and events, while also using the tasting barn for a range of refreshments.

Concerns have been raised locally regarding potential noise disruption and traffic issues down the small track, although mitigation has been factored into the development.

One lady who asked not to be named said: "This is a really quiet, peaceful hamlet which we feel will suffer disruption if this vineyard is allowed to stay open all sorts of hours.

"We don't wish them ill-will but they really need to show consideration and not be open to drinkers so late, if that is their plan."

Mr and Mrs Davitt-Mills, who are both from Shotley families and live close by with their young child, are keen to work with the village, including employing locals, and not be disruptive.

"Shotley Vineyard has been transformed over the past three years and is now back in local ownership," said Mrs Davitt-Mills. "The next phase will allow us to deliver the final part of our plan, creating new jobs and a new venue for Shotley.

"Our application covers all aspects of our business from glamping to online sales. This means any type of refreshment and doesn't specifically refer to alcohol only.

"After careful consideration we felt it was required in order to allow glampers access to our barn for refreshment at any time of day. As a family run business we would encourage any guests to behave responsibly.†

The vineyard owners went through tough scrutiny to win planning permission from Babergh District Council, and follow stringent conditions designed to protect the landscape, as it sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is close to Commonwealth War Graves and residents, in the secluded hamlet.

Mrs Davitt-Mills added: "We have an enormous amount of respect for our neighbours and surrounding area; this will always be a core value of ours."

The application, made by the couple's company Goldcrest Agriculture and Property Ltd, seeks the following licensable activities; Films (Indoors and Outdoors) Monday to Saturday 10:00 hrs to 21:30 hrs and Sunday 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs; Live Music (Indoors and Outdoors) Monday to Sunday 11:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs; Recorded Music (Indoors and Outdoors) 10:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs; Late Night Refreshment (Indoors only) 23:00 hrs to 05:00 hrs; and Sale and Supply for consumption both ON and OFF the premises 24 hours a day 7 days a week (note on the application form - There will be a website where alcohol can be purchased online.  The e-commerce aspect of the business will operate 24/7.  Therefore, although alcohol will not be sold every day from the physical site, there is the possibility that alcohol will be purchased through our website at any time. Online sales will be fulfilled between the hours of 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday).

Comments regarding the application can be made to the licensing authority before May 15. More details at: Babergh Licensing page

The couple revived the vineyard after securing the land in 2017 when it had become overgrown and unkempt following years on neglect. They have successfully grown the Bacchus grape, which is used to make their own wine.