RESIDENTS have been invited to a special consultation for a new brewery near Bishop's Waltham.

Upham Brewery is holding the public event on Monday, from 6.45-8.15pm at Upham Village Hall, to present its plans for a new plant on the outskirts of the town.

The meeting will include architectural designs of the proposed buildings and surrounding landscapes for the company's new site giving residents the chance to submit feedback.

Plans have been made to re-house the firm's five full-time staff members with the addition of 15 more after the company decided it had outgrown its current site.

The brewery, which is based on a farm, will return to its former use as an agricultural building.

The application is being considered by officials at South Downs National Park Planning Authority and will be reviewed by Winchester City Council.

David Butcher, director of Upham Brewery, said: “We are looking forward to presenting our vision for the new Upham Brewery to local residents and businesses. Our brand of ales is very much the product of the area's natural water source and we are passionate about retaining and leveraging that association in a way that is sensitive to the interests of people living and working in the area.

“We hope that the proposals will demonstrate our affection and sensitivity towards the area as well as our commitment to being open and transparent throughout the planning process.”

The brewery in Stakes Lane was established in 2009.