THE Old Yarr Estate Farmshop and Tearooms in Feckenham is celebrating success after been granted permission by the Planning Inspector at an appeal to retain its outdoor seating area.

Earlier this year, The Farmshop in Astwood Bank launched a campaign entitled ‘Save Our Seats’ in a bid to maintain its outdoor furniture. Redditch Council had refused a retrospective planning application to regularise the opening hours with the tea room with those of the the farm shop, and to enable the use of the outside seating area for tea room customers, in addition to the internal seating, at peak times.

Councillors felt the proposal may result in a detrimental impact on surrounding residential properties due to noise and disturbance and that the proposals would result in an enhancement to existing facilities in the rural area, which is not easily accessed by public transport links, and would therefore create a disproportionate number of vehicles travelling there.

Old Yarr Farm Shop manager, Kellie Lines, said: “We’re thrilled with the outcome of our planning appeal which will secure the long-term future of our outdoor seating area.

“Our picnic benches are especially popular with customers who visit the tearoom to enjoy a snack while they take in some fresh air and admire the stunning landscape from a great vantage point. Cyclists and walkers also appreciate the seating area, stopping off for refreshments and a well-earned rest. I’m confident customers will be pleased to share our good news.”

Representing farmshop and tearooms, Niall Blackie, a specialist planning lawyer from solicitors FBC Manby Bowdler, said: “The Inspector has reflected government policy of supporting economic growth and saw that this could be achieved here without harm to the amenities of the neighbourhood.

“It has been a pleasure to work through the complexities of the planning system with the Old Yarr team and to achieve a successful result.”

The farmshop and tearooms - previously known as The Stables Farmshop and Tearooms - opened in January 2009. Since its launch the rural venture has proved extremely successful, selling locally sourced fresh produce. Complementing the operation, the butchery prides itself on offering customers a wide range of quality meats supplied by The Old Yarr Estate.

Opening times are 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday.