An application submitted by Edward Berry to North Yorkshire Council asks to create a small timber cabin on Rectory Farm in Thornton-le-Craven to sell milkshakes and help diversify their business.

Planning documents state milk has been the mainstay of the business for over three generations. However, they add that as production has increased, the price that supermarkets buy the milk at has remained “very low”.

During the cost-of-living crisis, supermarket chains have tried to lure shoppers with the promise of cheaper milk but the price squeeze has hurt farmers who are also grappling with higher energy costs. The farmgate price of milk has fallen sharply since record highs in 2022.

The farmer wants to use the milk he produces to create milkshakes which will be sold from a vending machine

With costs of feed, bedding, fertiliser and energy, Mr Berry says the milkshake business will “massively improve” the profit margins and help secure its future for the next generation. It says the USP will be that the milkshakes are made from milk produced on the farm.

Documents add: “The proposal would not be able to be provided in an urban area due to its size and rural nature along with the USP being that it is milk produced on the farm and is within sight and sound of the dairy cows who produce the milk.

“Whilst the site is not particularly sustainable in terms of location and would not minimise the need to travel by car, it is approximately 215m to the nearest bus stop and 200m to the village of Thornton in Craven and A59, where there are bus routes and good access to the greater road networks etc.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date.

Yorkshire farmer bids to sell milkshakes from vending machines on his farm