AN award-winning farm shop has seen its bid to use its seasonal car park all year round thrown out over green belt concerns.

Plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council seeking the removal of a condition on a previously approved application for a seasonal car park at Kenyon Hall.

Consent has already been given for a seasonal car park to be used at the Croft site on the condition this was between June and October inclusive.

The condition was originally imposed due to encroachment into the green belt off Winwick Lane and the impact on its openness.

The five-month impact of the car park’s use on the green belt was deemed acceptable based on the benefit to farm diversification and employment.

This application to extend was supported by supplementary information relating to the activities that are provided at Kenyon Hall Farm, showing that these are available throughout the year, including the months when the seasonal car park is not open.

The application form outlines activities on the farm that are increasing in popularity outside of the peak months, including the café, which received permission for an extension completed in 2024.

It also states that the year-round car parking area only has 31 spaces, and these are not sufficient to accommodate increased activity at the site.

In refusing permission, the council said: “The proposal would result in inappropriate development in the green belt, that would be harmful by definition, and due to the impact on its openness.

“No very special circumstances have been demonstrated to outweigh the harm to the green belt. The proposal is therefore contrary to planning policy.”

In August last year, Kenyon Hall Farm was selected by national newspaper The Telegraph as one of 14 of the best stores that offer something different for customers.

The variety of activities the family-run site offers stood out – including fruit and sunflower picking, as well as a giant maize maze with fairytale-themed characters to find along the route.

Experts added: “The shop sells organic meat, presses its own rapeseed oil and sells duck eggs alongside homegrown vegetables and artisan goodies.

“Refuel in the bright café, where the farmhouse breakfasts are generous – plus there is a children’s menu and afternoon tea.”

The farm is also well-known in Warrington and afar for its popular pumpkin patch which returns each autumn.

The previous year, it was announced as one of the best farm retailers in the UK by The Farm Retail Association.