'Absolute treasure' shepherd's hut café near Newport can keep trading after overwhelming public support

Last month, Newport beef farmers Neil and Susanna Harley applied for permission to permanently keep serving customers at their café in Lilleshall.

Since 2020, the farming family has been serving up meat produced at their 780-acre Newport farm alongside locally baked treats from a shepherd's hut off the A518 between Newport and Donnington.

The Hundred Acre Kitchen was more recently granted temporary two-year planning permission back in December 2022 so the local authority could assess the impact of the business.

Within days of applying for permission for the permanent provision of a catering van on the site, the application was flooded with comments of love and support from residents and customers who urged the council to allow them to stay.

"The Hundred Acre Kitchen has been a welcome addition to village life," wrote Mr Lawrence, from Lilleshall.

Mr Orchin added: "I maintain that its opening is the best thing that has happened since I moved to Muxton in December 2004. It is a great place to socialise while eating great local produce and is staffed by friendly local staff. I believe it adds value to the community and deserves to be permanent."

"This little business is an absolute treasure and should be supported to ensure its continuing success," wrote Becky Turner.

In total, 188 supporting comments were received, with only two objecting.

Now, Telford & Wrekin Council planning officers have approved the application to remain on the site permanently.