ONLY local produce can be sold from an established farm shop after East Lothian Council ruled that it could continue to operate.

The Brand Family at East Fortune had to apply for retrospective planning permission to change an agricultural building into a shop.

The local authority’s planning department approved the existing business after there were no objections from members of the public.

A supporting statement was included with the application, which highlighted that “the majority” of sales were of East Fortune produced products, including meat – fresh and frozen – eggs and vegetables.

The planning officer’s report adds: “The shop also sells a range of locally sourced products to meet the retail needs of the local community as well as the customers staying at the caravan site also located on East Fortune Farm.

“The supporting statement further states that the farm shop will also support local suppliers by providing an outlet to sell their products.”

The business, which is open throughout the week, was approved with the condition: “Only products grown, produced or reared within East Lothian or within adjoining local authorities to East Lothian shall be sold within the farm shop.”