APPENDIX F
From: Sarah Easton [mailto:
Sent: 26 February 2019 16:48
To: Lorraine Neale
Cc: Leroy Bradley; Richard Balfour-Lynn
Subject: RE: Representation - Hush Heath Winery (19/00380/LAPRE) -
Variation Application
Hi Lorraine,
I hope you are well.
I have read thorough Ms Tipples lengthy objection and I wish to point out an inaccuracy on page 13 &14, in my explanation to the parish Council about the variation application.
Firstly, my point about coaches. We have approx. one coach per week from May through to Sept.
I would also like you to note that approx. 25-30% of our customers come via Marden Station from London and abroad and arrive at the winery either by taxi or our 12 seater minibus. 9% -10% come by coach from abroad, France, Germany and Belgium. We will not increase the number of coaches visiting Hush Heath and it will remain at 1 coach per week from May to September. Approx. 3-5% of visitors come by bicycle, electric bike or are walkers. Approximately 22-25% of customers arrive by taxi. Winery based tour companies arriving by minibus account for 15% of customers, leaving a balance of 35-40% who come by private car. On average there are 3-4 passengers per car.
Secondly on page 13 (the second section that Ms Tipples underlined of my comments) “She said there is no ulterior motive- it is to help build business up” The yellow highlighted part of the comment is incorrect I said that it was “to enhance our existing visitors experience”.
Lastly again I would like to point out that in point 42 (page 14), that we are not and have no intention of becoming a pub/ restaurant or events venue. We have repeatedly told Ms Tipples this information which appears to be consistently ignored.
Please also see below an exert from the parish Council minutes (link below) showing my representation for Hush Heath Estate:
“A representative of the winery said that the company sought to act responsibly and engage openly with residents while running a successful business that brought benefits to the community.”
Please note that we are serving our wines to existing customers arriving at the winery who come for tours and tastings and serving wine by the glass will not increase traffic or visitor numbers.
To date since 2010 we have had no complaints from noise or public nuisance from any authority including the police. Finally, I would like to reiterate that we ARE NOT changing our opening hours or have any intention of doing so.
Thank you Lorraine.
Kind Regards,
Sarah Easton – Winery Manager