Decision on farmer's milkshake vending machine at Hintons, Leominster

The James family, which farms at Broadfield Court in the nearby village of Bodenham, opened the vending machine at Hintons Country and Garden.

But the Whole Moo World milkshake vending machine, off Worcester Road, was installed and opened without planning permission.

Herefordshire Council planners have now granted planning permission, meaning the shed which houses the machines can stay.

RELATED NEWS:

• Experts to be called in over 'dangerous' buildings in Herefordshire town
• New apartment block planned for middle of Hereford
• New 36-home estate planned for this Herefordshire village

Consultants working for the James family on the application said they were applying for retrospective permission because the applicants assumed that a retail vending machine at a significantly larger retail concern would be considered incidental to the existing, lawful use of the land.

Documents said the vending machine, which serves milk and milkshakes, is housed in a timber-clad, open-fronted shelter found in the southwest corner of the car park, with a ramp to ensure access for all.

Agent Ed Thomas of Hereford-based Tompkins Thomas Planning said: "The vending machine was conceived by the applicants as a means by which they could sell their high-quality, fresh, local and responsibly produced milk direct to the local consumer in association with an existing, well-established local retailer.

"Having invested significantly in a robotic milking parlour and on-site pasteuriser at Broadfield, it is imperative, due to the margins involved, that a viable, local market can be secured."

OTHER NEWS:

• Pianos dumped as fly-tippers strike at stunning Brecon Beacons beauty spot
• Jailed: man who launched 'unprovoked' attack on Herefordshire train passenger
• Herefordshire farm opens new 24-hour coffee cabin (it sells dog refreshments)

Some 17 people wrote to Herefordshire Council to support the application, with one objecting, and the town council offering no objection.

Those supporting the scheme said it was a good development for a local business, and important in cutting down food miles.

But Janet Village, of Pudleston, said there were "lots of children running over [the] busy road to get to [the] machine".

She also said it was "encouraging unhealthy lifestylers" and there was lots of rubbish and dangerously parked cars around the machine.

The farm has similar vending machines at Hereford's Old Market Shopping Centre, as well as in Bodenham, Ledbury and Ludlow.

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.