The restoration of historic farm buildings next to Flaxley Abbey in the Forest of Dean to create a new winery, restaurant, farm shop and events venue has been given the green light.
A proposal from Peter Cooke — owner of Kingsthorne vineyard and winery, based on the estate at Flaxley, near Newnham — was approved by Forest of Dean District Council this March 2025, according to Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter.
The project will see centuries-old farm buildings neighbouring the Grade I-listed Flaxley Abbey repurposed, to create a new restaurant with 140 covers; an events space for up to 100 guests; a farm shop; winery; and a new car park.
The development will compliment acres of vineyards already planted at the site, transforming it into a food and wine destination.
Gloucestershire entrepreneur Peter Cooke purchased the farm in 2020, having founded Kingsthorne wines in 2018. Plans for the development were submitted back in 2023.
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the scheme, describing the plans as 'very sympathetic' to the setting and 'a real asset for the Forest', which could bring local employment opportunities.
