Bellarine winery plans continue to flow

ANOTHER proponent has applied to open a new small-scale winery and cellar door on the Bellarine.

A rural property at 82-110 Church Road, Bellarine would retain an existing dwelling and have existing buildings on the agricultural site repurposed into a tasting room, a server and kitchen facility and storage, with alfresco areas surrounding the structures, to enable its new use.

The property would remain in use as a farm when the new retail centre is operating, planning documents indicate.

Consultants reports provided as part of the application indicated the proposed use would have minimal impact on the surrounding area, either practically through traffic and vegetation impacts or symbolically through changed town character.

“The project sees renovation of the renovation of existing farm buildings to prepare for the use as the cellar door, and extension into the rear garden/car parking area,” documents stated.

“The site presents as already developed with little to no further works required on the allotment.”

The proposal is nearby a similar plan to open a cellar door at an existing spa and wellness retreat at 373-390 Tower Road, Portarlington.

That application had indicated it would target “emerging tourism markets” within the area that would increase options for visitors to the area, which were arriving in greater numbers due to factors including the Bellarine town’s Melbourne ferry link.

The Church Road plans are open to view and for public submissions until June 15.