Plans for a new distillery and cafe are brewing in a Co Down coastal resort.
The development – if approved – would see an existing car mechanics shed being transformed at Rostrevor.
Nestled in the shadow of the Mournes on the shores of Carlingford Lough, proposals for the new enterprise have been submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council by Miceal Tinnelly.
He hopes to refurbish and extend an existing shed to provide a distillery complete with storage, offices, toilets and a cafe/bar too!
The premises at Green Park Road, opposite Rostrevor GAA pitch, have been used as a car mechanics for the past 15 years.
The applicant hopes to refurbish and modernise to open his new distillery and cafe/bar and there will be planting carried out to the boundary of the earmarked site.
According to a design and access statement, products required for the distillery and cafe/bar will be “locally sourced”.
And it is intended that products manufactured will be provided for to be purchased by the public through local off-sales.
The statement explains: “The proposal does not create a significant increase in area and will utilise an existing building located within the development limit of Rostrevor. The existing unit will be revitalised with new windows, timber cladding and painted render.”
And it adds: “All processes and storage are internal. A ventilation system will be designed to prevent odours escaping the building.
“All machinery will be internal preventing any noise nuisance to the surrounding neighbours.”
The statement says the development is “within walking distance” of the centre of Rostrevor.
And the roads network is “capable of vehicular traffic for the proposal”, it asserts, as the statement adds: “We would note that the access provided is suitable for the approved 100-bedroom hotel adjacent to the proposal.”
It is intended that the distillery would operate daily, between the hours of 8am and 6pm, with the cafe opening from 9am to 9pm.
The application is now with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and will be advertised this week.
