BLUEPRINTS have been outlined for a new eco-eatery at a forward-thinking East Lancashire farm.

Ian O’Reilly and Emma Robinson claim the project, at Gazegill Organic in Rimington, will be the UK’s first 100 per cent sustainable and carbon neutral such outlet.

The couple have often been ahead of the curve when it comes to trialling fresh ideas, having promoted the benefits of raw milk and care farming in recent years.

Plans have been drawn up for a 330 square metre green-oak framed glass building at the Dancer Lane farm, which has been in Emma’s family for 500 years.

Mr O’Reilly said: “As custodians of Gazegill, we feel a huge responsibility to continue the forward-thinking work of the Robinson family, whose vision to farm ethically, organically and with kindness to the environment was way ahead of its time.”

Work has begun already on the proposals, which should cater for 100 diners, with an anticipated opening date of May or June next year.

Several additional jobs are expected to be created when the rural restaurant opens its doors.

Under their scheme, as well as seeing all items on the menu sourced on the patch, everything in the kitchen and front-of-house should be entirely powered by either wind or solar devices.

Mr O’Reilly says he has managed to double the turnover at Gazegill, selling products through the online shopping platform EKM.

He estimates that 75 per cent of their business is now generated online, after first partnering with the Preston-based outfit in 2015, which has provided the seed funding for the eaterie.

Proposals have also been lodged with Ribble Valley Council for an extended farm shop and butchery, with two three-bedroom holiday lets there.

This would stand alongside the eaterie and is expected to add another four employees to the workforce.