Great Shefford parish councillors speak out against publican's plans for farm shop

Great Shefford parish councillors have reiterated their objection to a licensee's farm shop plans.

Joshua Khan, the licensee of The Great Shefford pub, has submitted plans to West Berkshire Council to build the shop in the car park.

At a recent meeting, parish councillors revisited the matter after Mr Khan submitted revised plans.

Some said they felt the parish council should be supporting local business in adverse times, such as the current coronavirus pandemic and consequent lockdowns.

However, members voted by a majority to maintain their former stance.

They felt the main concern remained the potential for increased parking and traffic problems in the area, especially at the weekends when the pub car park could be expected to be full.

Others expressed concern about the project's effect on the existing village shop.

For his part, Mr Khan has told the Newbury Weekly News: “We would never seek to harm another local business, but there are no farm shops for miles around."

Meanwhile, the issue has split the village, with those for and against exhorting planners in almost equal measure.

To view the application, visit the West Berkshire Council planning website and search for reference 20/02245/FUL.