GILL — After hearing James Asbel’s plans to operate a cider-making facility that also offers retail sales at his 10 Cross Road residence, the Zoning Board of Appeals held off on issuing a special permit this week, pending approval from other town boards and commissions.

The ZBA intends to meet again on April 10 to conclude the public hearing and potentially vote on the permit.

After 13 years importing cider from Spain, Asbel wants to operate Altamira Cider out of his home on Cross Road. Although he has been making cider on the property since the fall of 2023, going forward, he wishes to exceed the 200-gallon production limit that is allowed before a special permit is needed, with a goal of expanding his endeavor into a commercial operation. The property also has a 60-tree apple orchard that provides the fruit needed for the cider.

“I come to this with some serious expertise,” Asbel said. “I’m generally recognized in that capacity here in Massachusetts and to some extent around the country.”

Asbel’s long relationship with Spanish cider inspired him to choose the name Altamira. The Cave of Altamira in Spain houses some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world and is located near the birthplace of Spanish cider. By giving the business a name with so much history, Asbel hopes to infuse some of the cider-making traditions of the area into the brand.

“The idea is to have something with historic significance both internationally, culturally and locally,” he said.

The property is currently owned by the Helene Grosvenor Trust and formerly housed the Gill Methodist Church. Asbel and his wife began making renovations to the property when they first moved in two years ago.

After discussing plans for the location, ZBA members took turns asking questions about noise, hours of operation and parking. Asbel explained the cidery would be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and would have 10 parking spots. He noted he does not intend to use the space as a social spot, indicating that noise would not be a problem.

“We don’t want to run a tavern,” he explained. “Except we would like, on special occasions, to be able to have people here enjoying the property.”

Board members did not raise any concerns about these aspects of the business. Asbel also submitted a request to install a sink and drain in the basement.

At the end of the meeting, board members agreed to continue the public hearing on Thursday, April 10, to give an opportunity for other town officials to review the site plan, including the Conservation Commission, Board of Health, Historical Commission, Planning Board and building inspector.

“The intention is just to make sure that all the boards, commissions and agencies in town have a chance to comment on the site plan review,” said Chair Suzanne Smiley.