Exmoor farm granted alcohol licence in "step too far" for locals

A farm within the heart of Exmoor can sell alcohol to its customers in what locals have branded "a step too far" for the area.

Holly Purdey and Mark Brewer run a farm shop and pop-up restaurant at Horner Farm, located within the national park between the village of Porlock and the popular Dunkery Beacon.

The farm hosts regular events, including pizza nights on Fridays between May and October, with the couple applying for a licence to sell alcohol to its customers.

Despite residents' objections, Somerset West and Taunton Council's licensing sub-committee ruled on Wednesday morning (December 8) that the licence could be granted.

Under the new licence, alcohol can be sold for consumption both on and off the premises seven days a week – including until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Several local residents objected to the plans in writing before the hearing, warning that granting the licence would put villagers and visitors in danger.

John Garbutt said: "As a local resident of this very small community of nine houses, we already have the issue with the noise from the late-night events they hold.

"The addition of the sale of alcohol, I think, will make the problem worse. We already have a larger influx of traffic, which is a safety issue with the non-lit car park in which children roam freely."

Graham Haw argued the licence would destroy the tranquillity for which the small village of Horner had become known.

He said: "A small village of nine residences, filled with mostly elderly people is not sufficient business for them [the owners of Horner Farm], so most of their business will be from persons either walking to the site from Burrowhayes [Farm camp-site] or driving there.

"This raises the possibility of drunk drivers colliding with the many walkers and other vehicles, and an increase in the amount of litter.

"While I realise that it is difficult, but not impossible, to make a living from farming these days, I think that the effective creation of a pub in Horner is a step too far. "

The applicants responded that they had no intentions of starting a pub but did wish to showcase local drinks producers, such as Exmoor Gin (which is distilled in Dulverton) or Exmoor Ale (which is brewed in Wiveliscombe).

They said: "The vision is not for consumption on the premises during the daytime hours, but so visitors and locals have access to buy local produce to benefit the local economy.

"As the majority of the visitors to our pizza evenings are in fact local or from the camp-site (who walk up), it seems unlikely there is going to be a sudden increase in drunk drivers.

"We have a responsible policy in place, and customers book taxis if they do not have a designated driver."

Following a short meeting, the sub-committee voted to grant the licence as originally requested.