New farm shop and cafe to open

A NEW farm shop will be opening in a Derbyshire village after it was granted planning permission.

The business has been given the green light to open at Newlands Farm, Hilton, and will serve a range of fresh food produced on the 80-acre site.

On the planning documents it is stated that all produce will be local.

More than 60 per cent of the products sold there will be from the farm, with the remaining stock coming from within a 10-mile radius.

A statement from planning consultancy JMI reads: “The recent lockdowns have led to a distinct shift in our relationship with the outdoors. There has been an increase in activities such as walking or cycling, and an increase in meeting socially outdoors. The applicants have identified an opportunity arising from these shifting patterns...

“They propose to establish a farm shop and café, selling hot and cold quality produce from the farm and selected local suppliers. The café is to be served by outdoor seating areas, providing a space for people to meet socially in a pleasant outdoor setting.”

The shop and café will be housed in a wooden cabin in keeping with its rural setting. It says it hopes to catch passing trade from cyclists and walkers who have recently been flocking to the area of Sutton Lane, from which the site will be accessed.

The statement reads: “The café would provide a facility for them to stop for a break in pleasant surroundings. It would also provide a destination for short walks from nearby villages.”

South Derbyshire District Council has confirmed planning permission has been granted.