Couple plan for new fruit and veg delivery business

A couple who run an organic produce company has applied to set up a new fruit, veg and flower business.

Dorset Council has received the application for a site in Bowgrove Road, Beaminster.

The proposal includes plans for a shepherd's hut, barn, polytunnels and propagation greenhouse on a 0.2 hectare (0.49 acre) plot.

The couple, who run Devon-based West Hays Farm, is asking for a five-year consent to demonstrate the viability of the business.

The plot is part of a larger 2.6 hectare (6.4 acre) holding, which the couple plan to mostly retain for grazing.

The application says they are looking to site a temporary agricultural workers dwelling "to aid in the set up of a new rural enterprise, West Hays farm, producing vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers for sale into Beaminster via our veg box scheme and sale to local shops and restaurants."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, research from Beaminster Museum suggests the land supported traditional orchards, three homes and gardens, dating back to the mid-1800s and fell into disuse in the early 1900s.

In the application paperwork, the couple say the site was historically used for sheep grazing and in May 2024 started to be converted to an organic market garden and tradition orchard.

The proposal is open for public comments until 14 May and many have already backed the development.

A resident from Coombe Down said: "In a time when farming and small businesses are being brought to their knees, here is an application to start a small niche market garden enterprise which can only benefit the whole community."

A Hawkchurch resident added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to bring ecological benefit to the local area through environmentally friendly farming practices, with two extremely experienced and considered individuals at the helm.

"It goes without saying that new local food production will benefit the community of Beaminster directly and protect the land from being taken over by irresponsible and greedy developers."

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