A landowner is trying to cash in on the current boom for farm shops.
The audacious green belt development would be a huge boom for commerce and tourism, claims farmer Douglas Lyle.
It comes on the back of interest in buying fresh from source fueled by Jeremy Clarkson’s Amazon Prime hit about his Cotswolds farm and shop called Diddly Squat.
Scart Farm is on the outskirts of Bridge of Weir and access to the complex is planned from the main Kilmacolm Road.
Mr Lyle wants the development built in the heart of a 50 acre patch of land, surrounded by acres of woodland.
It would include a main building of more than 3,200 square feet housing a shop and restaurant, a secure dog park and childrens’ play area.
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And in a submission to Renfrewshire Council, he said: “The proposed development is capable of strengthening the appeal and attraction of Renfrewshire to a range of visitors.
“It will use and sell produce grown and produced by themselves and local suppliers, such as, meats, eggs and vegetables.
“This will help establish and grow local enterprises.
“Sourcing local produce makes sense and it will also help diversify the local economy including promotion of sustainable tourism.”
Backing or objections can be submitted for the next fortnight.
The Scart Larder project also includes an outside dining area and a space for an alfresco farmers’ market.
And a concept for the site also suggests woodland style weddings, gin festivals, food festivals and arts fairs, natures trails and picnic areas.
Mr Lyle added: “It is not anticipated that the proposed development will give rise to a significant detrimental effect on any nature conservation interests including species and habitats.
“The site comprises grassland used for grazing, and there are no nature conservation designations within or in proximity of the site.
“Green Belt policy states that “support will be given to developments that are able to demonstrate diversification within green belt and rural areas which promote new employment, tourism opportunities or community benefits, which are compatible with and do not have an adverse impact on the character of the green belt.
“We believe that the proposed development supports this.”
Renfrewshire Council will consider the application at a future planning board.
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