Bay Vineyard Tour and Sales Plans Approved Amidst Objections

A vineyard situated on the North Yorkshire coast has received approval to conduct tours and sell wine, despite facing some local opposition. The Bay Vineyard, located in Robin Hood’s Bay, had submitted an application for a licence to facilitate visitor experiences, including wine tastings, and to sell its products directly to guests. This initiative generated over 40 formal objections, which expressed concerns regarding the proposed operating hours, potential noise disturbance, and the anticipated impact on local roads. During a meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s licensing sub-committee, the establishment was granted permission to operate tours and sell wine daily between 09:00 and 23:00 GMT. The vineyard, which cultivates red and white English grape varieties, was established at Greenhills Farm as a diversification project, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The North York Moors National Park Authority did not submit any objections, and the council also received multiple letters expressing support for the proposal. Speaking at the meeting, Rebecca Sheveling, representing the business, affirmed that they had “no intention of operating the premises as a wedding and events venue,” countering suggestions made by some objectors. Following presentations from the licensing officer and nine members of the public, sub-committee chair Tim Grogan announced that the premises licence would be issued, contingent upon several specified conditions. The applicants stated that the vineyard’s operations had previously been restricted to 10 tours annually, with plans for expansion following the receipt of a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund.