A decision is due this week on approving a planned new farmers’ market in the countryside east of Thornbury. South Gloucestershire Council has received a licensing application for a block street trading consent outside the Landscape Centre on Cutts Heath Road in Buckover.
The market would sell farm shop products seven days a week, from 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It would be operated by Buckovers, which runs an events firm and garden centre on the site.
Councillors are due to decide on granting permission for the market during a licensing hearing on Wednesday, January 8. Five neighbours living nearby however have written to the council, raising concerns about extra traffic, pollution and rubbish.
One neighbour said: “Our main concerns are around the number of traders, the heavy road use from cars carrying customers as the site is not in a highly populated area or near to one — most will use a car. There is the potential for the enjoyment of our property to be affected by noise pollution and air pollution, not only from the cars but also from the potential traders and music.
“There doesn’t seem to be significant parking for unrestricted customer numbers visiting by car. Due to the other businesses in our area, such as the garden centre and lorry repairs, we already have a busy road through our hamlet.”
Another added: “There is no public transport here, so nearly all visitors will be driving and requiring parking. There are no road markings as it is a country road with no pavements or street lights. Any on-road parking will make it dangerous for residents and visitors alike, and possibly restrict access for large farm vehicles, and even emergency service vehicles.”
According to application documents, there would be up to 30 traders at the market. There would also be 30 tables and 60 chairs, providing space for customers to sit and eat food from the stalls. Buckovers tried to put on a Christmas market in November, but cancelled the event due to an “administrative error” by the council, according to a post on the family-run firm’s website.