Plans to build and operate a distillery and wine-making facility in rural Queenstown have been gazumped by independent commissioners.
Proposed by former American Mike Almquist, who bought the Mount Soho Winery property from original owners Ed and Carol Lamont in 2018, independent commissioners Dr Lee Beattie and Rachel Dimery have refused consent for The Shire, on Hogans Gully Road, near Arrowtown.
Key issues were the scale of the building, 1183 square metres, and potential adverse noise effects, including slamming of vehicle doors, groups of people socialising and talking outdoors, and possible ‘‘loud and obnoxious behaviour from patrons’’.
It’s not clear if that decision will be appealed.
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