Plans for a Rutland vineyard have just received a boost after related infrastructure has gained planning approval.

Tim Beaver of JP Beaver and Son, Church Farm, Duddington, wanted to convert a barn to industrial use on land south of Barrowden Road, Ketton.

As previously reported by Nub News, the conversion was needed to create premises to handle the business side of the vineyard.

A report by council planning staff noted comments from the public supportive of the use of a derelict building, though there were concerns about potential impact on local wildlife and historic roadside verges serving the road to the site.

Paul Ridgeway said: "It is important that we do not lose sight of the reason for the application. This is for industrial and primary produce purposes, each of which are expected to deliver the benefit of employment and income where none existed before."

He added: "Here is an innovative plan for a vineyard, in my humble belief the first in the village in living memory, possibly in the county. Such a planting could encourage others in Rutland as part of crop diversification."

Ketton Parish Council said: "Good use of a derelict barn. Suitable business for a village and may provide some employment."

But it called for measures to protect local wildlife and the roadside verge.

Recommending conditional approval to the scheme, council planning staff concluded that "as set out above, would not materially harm the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and would be acceptable in all other planning considerations."