A THRIVING family-run farm shop and tearoom has submitted proposals for a two-storey extension.

Mainsgill Farm Shop, off the A66 near Scotch Corner, hope to accommodate an art gallery, craft and clothing sales area, and storage and serving space.

The extension will house an additional tea room with a private dining area for meetings, parties, conferences and other small events.

The popular tourist stop-off point was established in 1995 by Andrew and Maria Henshaw, and is renowned for its camels and llamas residing in the fields.

The business employs 50-60 full-time staff, with the proposals expecting an increase to 65.

A further 100 parking spaces have been factored in, taking the total to 220 – including seven accessible spaces and two coach spaces.

However, Ravensworth Parish Council expressed much concern over the safety of the existing access from the A66, as they have been in talks with Rishi Sunak MP and Highways England.

The parish council said: “We support the continued success of local businesses. However, although it is stated in the planning statement that ‘the development proposed is not anticipated to attract significant additional visitor numbers', we feel it would be reasonable to anticipate additional visitors, resulting in higher numbers of vehicles entering and leaving the premises.”

The junction was improved when it last expanded in 2010, providing a widening of the main carriageway on the A66.

This allowed more space for traffic to pass a vehicle waiting to turn right into the site, also improving visibility.

The British Horse Society, who oppose the plans on safety grounds, said: “The applicant has made no provision for horse riders to get through the site and the now increasingly busy car park.”

Plans will go before Richmondshire District Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, January 9.