Farm cafe and shop plan near Whitchurch suffers setback
Plans to create a new cafe and shop near to a nature reserve near Whitchurch have suffered a setback after they were objected to by a waterways trust.
The Canal & River Trust has raised concerns about the impact the new facility, near to Fenn's Whixall and Bettisfield National Nature Reserve, would have on the environment.
The scheme, which would involve creating the shop and cafe at Holly House Farm, Fenns Lane, Whixall, could create about four part-time jobs. The proposed building will include a cafe, toilet facilities and a convenience and farm shop selling basic daily items and local produce to include ice cream on the farm.
But a statement on behalf of the Canal & River Trust raises concerns over pollution. It states: "The proposed foul and surface water drainage proposals would have an adverse impact on the water quality and structural integrity of the canal.
"There have already been incidences of pollution to the canal corridor and adverse impacts on the condition of the towpath from drainage. The proposals do not assess the impact to the character or structural integrity of the waterway corridor from the proposed development or increased use of the access/towpath.
"The proposals would increase the footfall in the area and no details of any proposed enhancements or mitigation measures to reduce impact to the character or structural integrity of the canal corridor and towpath have been provided."
The proposal has been put forward by the Huxley family which has been farming on the site for 50 years and is looking to diversify.
Documents submitted in support of the project state: "The proposed development has the potential to support the local community by providing a convenience store and cafe. This will benefit both local residents and visitors to the area and will ensure the continued business of valued local services and facilities.
"Holly Farm is a smallholding in current farming terms therefore Mr Huxley is diversifying to ensure the property as a whole is financially viable. Tourism from the canal system has grown dramatically over the last few years, the amount of holiday barges using the Shropshire Union Canal is a significant factor for trade, together with visitors walking and cycling through the adjacent National Nature Reserve."
Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decisionby March 13. People can comment on the proposalon Shropshire Council's website.
