DRIVE-THRU ICE CREAM PLAN MIGHT TAKE SOME TOPPING!

Diversification will create new jobs

A FARM wants to open a shop with a drive-thru ice cream parlour to ‘diversify’ the business.

The shop would be built at Longshaw Farm, Ashbourne Road, Bradnop, near Leek, for Giles and Jo Clark under plans submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

It would have a new access and parking, and create one full-time job and up to eight part-time positions.

The 480 acre farm – which has 400 dairy cows on the south side of the A523 – is diversifying due to changing farm subsidies, Brexit and the pandemic.

A statement in support of the application, by Ellie Johnson, of Bagshaws, said Jo and Giles worked full-time in the business with son Jeremy. There are already two other full-time members of staff, an apprentice, and one part-time worker.

It added: “The project will generate one additional full-time job, that is hoped to be filled by their daughter Clarissa, and seven or eight part-time jobs.

“The proposal will also include the processing of milk (within existing buildings) to make the ice cream and other products for sale in the farm shop.

“The farm has identified a need to diversify as a result of Brexit, changes to farm subsidies, to recover from the pandemic, and to provide an opportunity for the next generation to take over the farm business.

“The business has also diversified into holiday accommodation by converting buildings on a nearby site (Hollydale). A further way that Longshaw Farm can diversify is to open a farm shop, selling their own produce direct to the consumer at retail prices.

“A dairy farm can process their own liquid milk on site into a higher value product, such as butter, cheese, cream, ice cream, or yoghurt.

“These higher value products can be sold on wholesale or retailed directly to the public.”

A new access off the A523 is also proposed due to the existing one being ‘substandard’.

The statement added: “The farm shop will also provide a community facility by creating a destination for local people to meet up for lunch or a coffee.”

A decision is expected by planners within eight weeks.