Indigo Shire councillors approved a planning application for part of the site to be used for brewing of beer and distilling of gin.

The decision also permits a whiskey cellar to be established with that spirit too to be distilled at the business best known in recent times for cordial making.

Billson’s owner Nathan Cowan, who was at the council meeting at Beechworth, welcomed the move.

“There’s been a lot of planning and sweat and tears that’s gone into this and to see it finally take shape is special,” Mr Cowan said.

He expects the beer and gin to be on sale in December.

A lager, stout, pale ale and golden ale will be sold on tap and in bottles and cans.

An Australian dry gin and a yet-to-be-determined flavoured variety will be made. 

Councillors believe the business will provide a boost to Beechworth, including former mayor Bernard Gaffney.

“This location is perfect...it’s got so much going for it and it should attract a much different clientele to what Beechworth currently has,” Cr Gaffney said.

Approval for the plan followed councillors passing a resolution on short stay accommodation, noting the impact it has had in the shire.

Finches of Beechworth bed and breakfast owner Margo Maller on Tuesday night raised concerns with councillors about unregulated accommodation properties.

She believes the shire can do more to crackdown, saying she was aware of homes in her street not complying with accommodation rules.

Mayor Jenny O’Connor said the shire needed to be notified if there was rogue operations.