New farm shop planned in Herefordshire

A Herefordshire farm is seeking permission for a new farm shop focussing on local foods.

The proposed Clarkes of Aymestrey Farm Shop will be at Hill Barn Bungalow, on the A4110 Hereford to Leintwardine road south of the village of Aymestrey.

The plan has been put forward by Tim Clarke of Clarke Farming and Contracting, free-range and organic egg producer and winner of best poultry producer at last year’s Three Counties food and farming awards.

The shop is to be in an existing farm workshop and storage building.

If approved, this would get a new glazed double-door entrance and fire exits, external grey/green metal cladding, signage and internal divisions to create a stock room, staff toilet and kitchenette.

The shop “will be stocking a wide range of local seasonal produce from Herefordshire and the local area, which will support local businesses and farmers”, a statement with the application says.

An additional full-time member of staff will be needed, with further casual employees will be brought in as required, while a delivery service to the local area is also planned, it adds.

Road access and parking would be as at present, though the adjacent 14 caravan parking spaces would be reduced to ten. There is also a café on the site.

Comments on the application, numbered 231445, can be made until June 26.