A NEW small brewery could open in a North Somerset village if the idea receives planning permission.

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Keith and Debra Hayles have applied to turn Yeowood Farm in Congresbury into a micro brewery and aim to open in August if approved.

Mr Hayles, said he had spoken to 
neighbours near the Iwood Lane farm and had received positive feedback.

He said: “It was good news that all of the neighbours I met were very positive and supportive of the proposal and are actually quite looking forward to sampling some beer.

“Following the personal visits my wife Debra and I then submitted the paperwork to North Somerset Council so now we have to await the planners’ decision. Fingers crossed we hope to hear the outcome by mid-March.”

But he was keen to emphasise it is a small family business hobby which he will run part-time alongside his freelance role as a IT project manager.

He said: “It’s really small-scale so will be doing small runs of beer which will be sold to local outlets, delis and restaurants.”

Mr Hayles said in size comparison, 
Butcombe Brewery in Wrington would be about 25 times the size of his micro brewery.

No letters supporting or objecting the idea have been received by the council as the Mercury went to press. The Environment Agency has no concerns.