Council recommends refusing Grape Escape expansion

A Tasman District Council report recommends refusing consent for a multimillion-dollar expansion of the Grape Escape complex in Appleby, 20km southwest of Nelson, despite the plan attracting more than 40 supporting submissions and only two objections.

Appleby Village Developments has applied for consent to build 18 more buildings and 138 car parking spaces on 3.47ha, with the aim of developing the complex into a "hub" for arts and crafts.

However, a Tasman District Council report says consent should be declined because the net effects on the environment would be "adverse and more than minor".

The net effects related to the loss of potentially highly productive land, and the affect on rural character and traffic.

Grape Escape co-owner Bob Haswell -- who, along with three others, bought the complex two years ago with the intention of expanding it -- said the recommendation initially came as an "unbelievable shock".

Many of the project's supporters came from the tourism industry and were located throughout the district. Submissions came from Murchison, Blenheim and Takaka, saying it would boost tourism and create jobs.

A council committee will hear the application on September 20.

- NZPA