A farm shop near the M5 in Somerset will be able to remain open after securing retrospective planning permission.

The Bradford family run Peasey Farm on Bradney Lane in the village of Bawdrip near Bridgwater, comprising more than 190 acres of both pastoral and arable land.

The family converted an agricultural barn on their land into a farm shop in September 2020, in a bid to diversify their income and provide a service to villagers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sedgemoor District Council has now granted retrospective planning permission for this change – meaning the shop will be allowed to stay open.

The shop currently has nearly 1,500 likes on its official Facebook page and is “very well supported” by residents of Bawdrip and the neighbouring villages.

The business sells hot food and drink on site and hosts a range of special events throughout the year, including craft fairs, Easter Egg hunts, pumpkin carving sessions and burger evenings every Friday night.

Annie Haxforth, speaking on behalf of the family, explained the rationale behind the plans when the council’s development committee met in Bridgwater on Tuesday afternoon (November 15).

She said: “The applicant has diversified their farming business in recent years.

“The use first began on site in September 2020, and they now seek retrospective consent.

“Due to market price volatility and increased cost pressures, the applicant has been forced to diversify their income.”

While most of the shop’s customers travel on foot or by bicycle, a one-way system will be implemented through the farm to account for any increase in traffic.

Councillor Brian Bolt said: “A lot of farms during lockdown had a waiver put on them, and I expect we’ll see a lot of these retrospective plans coming through. I have no problem recommending it.”

The committee voted unanimously to grant retrospective permission after around 20 minutes’ debate.