A winery, visitor centre and hotel could be built at a farm.

Wine firm Wildshark Vineyard submitted plans for the development at Mount Farm in Harrietsham to Maidstone council in January.

The company, which describes itself as an “eco-friendly sustainable vineyard”, has been growing grapes at the site off Greenway Forstal Lane for two years.

Planning documents say: “During recent years, the English wine industry has seen significant expansion, particularly in the south east of England, due to the rise in temperatures that have been experienced.

“The chalky, well-drained soils found in Kent are ideal for cultivating grapes used to produce sparkling wine.”

It says it needs the new winery for “crushing, processing and bottling of wine made from grapes grown in the surrounding fields”.

A 19-bedroom hotel is to be included, alongside a visitor centre.

“Visitors will be able to tour the vineyard, visit the winery, taste and purchase the wine in the visitor centre, as well as stay in the hotel, to allow time to truly connect with the wine and surroundings,” planning documents read.

The ambition is “to provide an experience to their visitors, whereby they will feel connected with the process involved in producing the wine”.

Several buildings would be demolished to make way for the visitor centre, and a house would be converted into the hotel.

Wildshark says it consulted villagers who “have all expressed their support for the winery proposals”.

“During discussions, neighbouring residents have expressed to Wildshark how pleased they are with the vineyard, and how the site has been significantly tidied up, and is well managed,” it adds.

“It's nice to see some development within Harrietsham that isn't more housing...”

Commenting on MBC’s planning portal, Harrietsham resident Paul Hunt wrote: “Fully supportive of this as long as consideration is given to the access/egress from the A20 with support from Kent Highways.

“It's nice to see some development within Harrietsham that isn't more housing.”

Rose Lovell wrote: “I have no objection to the development but issues with road access need to be addressed.

“Forstal Lane is narrow and not up to the amount of traffic that this application would generate.

“It is not possible for two cars to pass each other.

“I feel the access issue needs to be addressed prior to agreeing a visitor centre.”

It is not yet known when the council will decide on the application but an internal deadline of May 8 has been set.