A FARM building between Dorchester and Puddletown will be converted into a farm shop - using vending machines.

Dorset Council has agreed the proposal for Manor Farm at Lower Waterston.

The Waterston Lane site, on the B3142, will sell products from the farm which the site owners say will help local people and reduce the need for some trips to either Puddletown or Dorchester.

An area of around 250square metres will be used at an existing barn to create the farm shop selling milk, beef, and lamb.

Said an agent acting for the business: “The proposal would allow the existing farm to diversify and add value to their produce.

"This proposal has been selected for full business case submittal under the added value grant, which encourages farmers to add value to their produce following the end of direct payments.

"Should funding and permission be secured it would offer an additional community resource.

"The existing building is a traditional agricultural barn. It was originally the grain store and mill for the farm.

"Most recently it has been used for general agricultural storage for farm implements.”

Puddletown Area Parish Council expressed concerns about the application stating that the existing access to be used is on a busy road on a dangerous bend, although Dorset Council highway officers raised no concerns after visiting the site.

The business will have to register with Dorset Council before trading can begin which will trigger a food hygiene inspection.