A SOMERSET animal rescue charity has submitted plans to create a café/shop at its county base.

The Somerset & Dorset Animal Rescue Centre is based at Balsam Farm, between Common Lane and the A303 in Wincanton.

In a bid to bring more money in to the charity, it has applied for permission to make a number of changes to the site.

An application submitted to South Somerset District Council says the plan includes: the erection of a tractor shed, the change of use of former kennels to a shop/café to support the charity and the use of land for the stationing of a shepherd’s hut to provide holiday accommodation to provide income for the charity.

The application reads: “The tractor shed will not increase traffic and the proposed shop/café and shepherds hut will generate an insignificant amount of traffic using the existing access which is safe and suitable for the proposed ancillary uses.

“There is a significant amount of space within the site for cars to park and turn, and the proposal will therefore not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.”

It adds: “The tractor shed is required for operational and security purposes, and the proposed shop/café and shepherds hut for holiday accommodation are low-key issues that will generate much-needed income to support the existing lawful charitable use which provides a vital sanctuary for animals needing re-homing, without having any adverse impacts.”

For more on the charity, log on to www.somersetanddorsetanimalrescue.co.uk.