A CIDER-MAKING business has submitted plans to move to a new site in Monmouthshire which will enable it to reach new markets in the UK and worldwide.

Family company Apple County Cider Company  has submitted plans to relocate from its current base at Whitehouse Farm in Newcastle, Monmouthshire, to land east of the site.

The relocation would allow the company to produce and store larger amounts of cider on site.

Plans include opening a new shop to provide an “enhanced experience for visitors”, as well as using the new facilities to scale up production and develop new products and ranges.

It will also create several new jobs.

Currently the business employs two full-time staff and seasonal part-time staff during harvest and processing periods.

But moving to a new site would see the company increase to a team of seven full-time and four part-time staff.

New cider tours and workshops will also bring a boost to the economy in the area.

The company is currently developing markets in Manchester, Bristol and London, as well as many other independent craft beer shops, delis, gastropubs and farm shops.

It is also in talks with British Airways to supply their airport lounges with the bottled range and cans on flights, according to planning documents.

There are also plans in place to increase exports by developing new markets in Europe and the USA.

A supporting statement to the planning application states: “The business has ambitious future growth plans but is unable to expand and diversify due to the constraints of their existing site.”

It adds: “The company presently operates from an adapted agricultural building at Whitehouse Farm but due to the rapid growth in the business, this is no longer fit for purpose not least because it is in the middle of a working farm."

The proposed relocation site falls within Hilston Park, a 19th century landscape park associated with the property now known as Home Farm.

However the site is able to absorb the impact of the proposed development without harming its character or significance, according to the supporting statement.

View the plans at monmouthshire.gov.uk.