An East Lancashire dairy has submitted plans to build a new farm shop and café at its site in the Ribble Valley.

Alston Dairy, based in Alston, near Longridge, wants to improve the shop area at its main dairy site, which currently is just a counter where customers can buy in bulk.

There will also be a café to be used as a “community asset” while parking will be increased and there will be an extension to the dairy warehouse.

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A design and access statement submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council said: “The proposal includes a farm shop and café at the front of the site with associated parking and a service yard. Also, an extension to the dairy with associated staff car park and a storage building to the north.

“The proposed development is intended to provide an enhancement to the dairy production and sale of local produce for Alston Dairy.

“Given the existing commercial nature of the site, the proposal offered expansion, which would be considered in-keeping and appropriate for this location.

“The new farm shop is designed to provide an attractive and sustainable location for the local community to purchase local produce. At present, although a ‘shop’ is advertised at the site access, this is purely a counter for local residents to purchase yoghurt in bulk.

“By contrast, the new farm shop will stock the full range of Ann Forshaw products and other locally produced goods.

“The inclusion of a café will constitute a community asset as well as generating local employment.”

The shop is proposed to be on an existing grass area which currently separates the dairy from the nearby road.

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As the dairy can only be extended north due to land ownership, the car park will be relocated .

The shop is proposed to decorated in cedar cladding with a natural stone base, resembling characteristics of surrounding properties in the village.

To read the plans in full and to register your thoughts with the council, visit the council’s planning website.