A DECISION is still yet to be reached on the license application for a Hampshire vineyard.

As previously reported, Exton Park, on Allen Farms Lane, Exton, has applied for an extension to its premises license.

The application proposes that the vineyard should have permission to supply alcohol to customers for consumption both on and off the premises from 10am to 11pm Monday to Sunday. The vineyard already holds a premises licence permitting alcohol sales from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm.

If granted, the license will also allow the vineyard to hold events on its site.

The Winchester City Council licensing sub-committee heard from representatives of both Exton Park and Exton village.

Various members of the public have opposed the application, raising concerns about increased traffic running through the village as well as a possible rise in public nuisance.

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Amanda Berwick, of Church Lane, was one of the objectors at the meeting. She said: “As someone who lives in this village, which is a beautiful part of the South Downs National Park, and an area of outstanding natural beauty, we bought a house in that village because it’s quiet, because it’s dark, because it’s a gentle place to live. And there will be an increase of traffic coming through regardless of what instructions I believe they put on their website about where cars should be directed.”

Meanwhile, David Frere-Cook, of Allen Farms Lane, noted: “Of 23 objectors, 21 of them live on the proposed traffic access within the village. Of the 28 supporters, only 2 live on that access road other than supporters who either work in the vineyard or some come from as far away as London.

He also warned that increased light pollution would be an issue for villagers if the application was granted, saying: “Exton Hall’s prominent location will inevitably compromise the dark sky policy. Travelling through the village with headlights typically on full beam will shine directly into bedroom and sitting room windows – that will compromise our rights to peaceful enjoyment of our homes and possessions, articles 1 and 8 of the Human Rights Act.”

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The applicant, Exton Park Vineyard LLP, said that they would be making provisions to ensure that any increased traffic through Exton village would have minimal effect on residents.

Lana Tricker, a lawyer from LT Law representing Exton Park Vineyard LLP, said that the vineyard had held a number of events in the past under temporary event notices.

She said: “No objections have been received in relation to the trading under the temporary event notices, and this has also been confirmed by the authorities, so it shows that with this trading that we’re planning, we have zero impact on the community whilst operating at the premises.”

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2.30pm without a decision made. The subcommittee said that it will inform the relevant parties of their decision within five working days.