Demolition and rebuild of independent Surrey brewery approved

Established in 1982, Pilgrim Brewery on West Street is the oldest craft brewery in the South East.

The approved scheme would see the independent brew house expand by almost two thirds of its current floor space, incorporating the brewing facilities together with a larger internal bar area on the ground floor. A new function room with offices on the first floor will also be incorporated in the development.

Speaking on behalf of Pilgrim Brewery, the agent Emily Hall described the current c. 1905 site as “beyond economic repair” and “fast becoming no longer fit for purpose”. The existing brewery has lost coherence through a series of ad hoc, functional extensions which are of poor quality, according to planning documents. The statement adds the brewery often has had to turn orders down due to the constrained nature of the site and needs to expand.

Reigate and Banstead Council unanimously approved the scheme on July 24. Over 200 people wrote in to support the proposal, calling the independent brewery and tap room an “asset to the community”. Agreeing with public opinion, Cllr Michael Blacker (Conservative/ Reigate said at the meeting the independent brewery is “well past its sell by date” and that it is important to “keep local business local.”

One of ten people rejecting the plans, Alex Brugger told the committee he has spoken a few times with the brewery owner regarding noise levels. Mr Brugger said he once went to the brew house at 10pm to ask to turn the music down and the person in charge “shrugged his shoulders”.

Although supporting the application, Reigate Park Lane Residents’ Association also expressed worry that the new hospitality and event spaces would increase noise in a residential area. Planning documents state the brew house wishes to use the extra space to “foster community growth” through events and functions.

Addressing residents’ concerns, the council slapped on conditions to mitigate noise from the brew house’s inside music and outdoor events. Music should only be at ambient levels and not played after 10pm. Cllr Michael Blacker (Conservative/ Reigate) also floated the idea of a device which would cut off power when a venue goes above or beyond the required noise level.

After the plans were given the go-ahead, Pilgrim Brewery owners Adrian and Rory thanked those who supported the application. A statement on the website said: “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.”