Plans to expand a popular Aberdeenshire farm shop will go before councillors later this month.
Marshalls Farm Shop, near the Kintore-Broomhill roundabout has launched a bid to develop their current premises to help take the business to a new level.
Councillors from the Garioch Area Committee will decide next week on the fate of the farm house, which hopes to provide new parking as well as an enhanced café facility.
The family-owned shop, based at Concraig Farm, sells a range of produce including high quality meats, dairy products and vegetables.
The premises also has a garden centre and a tea room which is open seven days a week.
Owner, Kenneth Marshall, said: “The shop has become very popular and we just don’t have enough room anymore.
“People come in at lunch time and all across the weekend and we’re having to turn people away because there just aren’t enough seats.
“It would be a huge help to the farm by letting us expand and hopefully make it better and bigger for local residents.
“I know the local community really enjoy the shop and there isn’t anything like us nearby. And I think they’re all for us having a bigger place.
“With the extension, we will have 150 seats available and it will be more spacious and comfortable for everyone.”
As well as extending the existing food outlet and cafe area, there would be new sections for hardware and outdoor clothing.
The plans show access to and from the eastbound carriageway, using the existing underpass under the A96.
They have been recommended for approval by Aberdeenshire council’s planning office.
Stephen Archer, director of infrastructure services, wrote: “The proposal will likely generate additional jobs and provide a retail experience which is not currently found within the immediate surrounding area based on sourcing local produce to the benefit of the wider local economy.
“The proposed scale, layout and design including materials with proposed landscaping is felt to be acceptable for the rural character of the area in this location.”
The proposal will go before the Garioch Area Committee next Tuesday.
