Brewery's plans to expand existing site approved

More than 200 people wrote to the council in support of the plans

Plans to demolish a Surrey-based brewery and rebuild it as part of a site redevelopment have been approved.

The independent Pilgrim Brewery, in Reigate, which was opened in 1982, wants to build a "state-of-the-art brewing facility".

Emily Hall, the agent for the family-run business, described the current site in West Street, which dates back to 1905, as “beyond economic repair” and “fast becoming no longer fit for purpose”.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council unanimously approved a redevelopment application after the proposal was supported by more than 200 people, who called the independent brewery and tap room an “asset to the community”.

The approved scheme would see the brew house expand by almost two thirds of its current floor space.

Planning documents stated the extra space will be used to "foster community growth" with events.

Reigate Park Lane Residents’ Association, which backed the application, expressed concerns that the new development could increase noise, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Event space'

There were 10 objections to the plans, with one resident saying he also had concerns about noise.

Addressing residents’ concerns, the council added a condition that music should only be at ambient levels and not played after 22:00 BST.

Conservative councillor Michael Blacker said it was important to “keep local business local".

On social media the brewery said: "We will need to raise substantial funds to turn the current brewery site into an efficient, state-of-the-art brewing facility, with a larger indoor space and a dedicated community/event space.

"We aim to launch a rewards based Crowdfunder shortly to help fund some of the new equipment but we will need to raise a great deal more."