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by Jacques Bales
Posted: May 21, 2025
A report issued by Lichfields for Planning and Development Consulting indicates that the capabilities of tourism in the United Kingdom are held through planning challenges.
The cultivation of success-the planning for wine tourism and the visitor says that an approach “suits everyone” does not fit with every wine site, especially when it comes to vineyard farms in protected environments, where “unique needs” must be considered.
Wine tourism currently represents 213 million pounds out of the total contribution of 517 million pounds in the industry in the British economy and grows rapidly, as vineyards opens visitors and doors sales of the basement.
However, Lichfields, a recent survey of GB wine in classification of planning barriers among the best issues that disrupt this growth, where operators often need to move in complex planning policies, even to provide basic visitor facilities such as taste rooms and shops.
“The results we have reached highlighting the need for a detailed planning approach that reflects the needs of unique chrome farms and environmental considerations. Chrome farms are deeply integrated in expanding rural landscapes and large planning applications,” said Hana Whitney, Lichfields Director of Planning.
Although some chrome developments, such as agricultural stores, can move forward under the permitted development rights, the Lichfields report finds that “these rights do not cover many central wine tourism facilities, such as visitor and night housing centers.
“Tourism provides an invaluable income for vineyard farms and supports rural workers, however, planning obstacles continue to reduce growth opportunities. Cooperative approach, budget of growth with environmental considerations is necessary to achieve the possibility of full industry,” said Nicolas Pitsz, CEO of Wine GB, which represents the wine industry in the United Kingdom.
The report indicates that the issue of comprehensive needs, in addition to early participation with local planning authorities, is crucial for vineyards to secure visitor facilities permissions. Lichfields also recommends vineyard farms to participate in the local plan to form policies that can support long -term growth in wine tourism.
With the UK's wine industry is expected to add 50 % of jobs by 2025, the report calls on planning authorities and chrome owners to “adopt a cohabitation based on evidence that can accelerate sustainable growth in this rapid mature sector.”
To read the results and recommendations of the report completely, click here.
