The farm shop will be developed in the first roadside shed.
Permission has been granted by planning officers at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a new farm shop in rural Aughafatten, outside Broughshane.
The farm diversification proposal was made by Mr Paddy McAuley for premises at 167 Munie Road, and will see a change of use of a part of a general use farm shed to a farm shop with associated alterations and car parking.
No objections were received from DAERA, Environmental Health, NI Water or DfI Roads, nor any local residents as part of the consultation for the application.
Front elevation for new farm shop in Aughafatten.
Proposed floor plan for new farm shop
As a farm business that has been active for over six years, the applicatiion met specific criteria and was considered acceptable in principle for rural enterprise, with the proposal involving the adaption of existing farm buildings for the shop, and plans to sell produce grown on the farm. It was therefore considered a farm related business that will be run in conjunction with the agricultural operations of the farm.
The Design Concept & Access Statement noted:
"This farm shop will ensure that the produce from this farm can be delivered direct to the customer, many of whom are locally based.
"It has been well established that there is a high demand for such Farm Shops, selling good quality local produce direct to the customer, which in a time of environmental concerns is essential by totally cutting out 'food miles'.
"This proposal will reinforce the viability of this Farm business and the diversification will ensure that the Farm has a long term future."