Planning commission recommends vineyard event venue amid neighbor concerns; multiple rezones, permits approved

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission recommended approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a special-use permit that would allow Isaiah Clark LLC (operating as Bivens Family Vineyard) to use roughly 29.75 acres as a private recreational facility and event venue after a split 3-2 vote.

The applicant, Danielle Dalton, said she and her husband, Brian Bivens, plan to continue growing grapes and operate the property as Bivens Family Vineyard while adding events such as weddings and outdoor yoga. “We’re proud to bring this project to Pittsylvania County,” Dalton said, and described the proposal as an effort to build “a space that brings people together and contributes to the community.” Brian Bivens, a retired Coast Guard veteran, said the owners plan to include a VA-approved farming program for disabled veterans.

Neighbors raised concerns about noise, traffic on narrow gravel roads, and agricultural odors and operations that could conflict with event activities. Jerry Haymore, a nearby resident, said he chose his home for its quiet and described the hillside acoustics that he said carry sound to his property: “It’s quiet, it’s peaceful ... My concern is ... the noise.” Farmer Roger Jefferson and farm manager Bennett Fulper described routine farm operations — manure application, crop spraying, calf weaning and heavy equipment — and warned those activities can be noisy and odorous year-round. “Farming is not quite a quiet and odorless business,” Fulper said, and asked the…