A RESIDENTIAL garage could be turned into a microbrewery.

An application has been submitted to change the use from storing a car to casks.

Gosfield resident Marc Blake has applied to convert his 45 metre sq garage, in The Street, into a microbrewery with up to five barrels.

The garage would be changed from domestic to light industrial use if the application is granted.

The application, by Mr Blake, stated: “As I will be brewing no more than once a week there will be very little disruption or noise.

“I have also spoken to a microbrewery which has opened on an Essex High Street which is surrounded by both retail and domestic properties and they have not had any problems or complaints.”

He is hoping the idea of a microbrewery will find favour with his neighbours and friends.

An accompanying letter in support of the application, by PBC Brewery Installations, stated: “I have found that once permission is granted there is little cause for retrospective complaint, and indeed the smell generated by a brewery is actually considered to be very pleasant by a lot of people.

“Granted that these are usually men, as the smell of boiling hops is a very masculine appreciated aroma.”

The application has been validated by Braintree District Council.

There is still time to support or object to the application.

A decision is due in August.

To comment on the application visit publicaccess.

braintree.gov.uk and use reference 17/01097/FUL.

The number of microbreweries in the region and the country have grown substantially with more people switching to ales due, in part, to the increased range of types available.