Milkshake tourists on farm irk neighbours

Milkshakes are causing tension with neighbours of a farm shop which is seeing floods of thirsty tourists coming to its new milk vending machine.

Castle Farm in Bishton went viral in 2022 when it launched the machine.

But people living near have complained about crowds, noise and antisocial behaviour, and Newport council has alleged the farm was not given planning permission.

Castle Farm said it did not need permission, adding that the machines were crucial in diversifying its business model.

The machines are in an adapted shipping container on the farmland.

Jack Hooper, who has been a neighbour of the farm for 20 years, said there had been “constant antisocial behaviour”, including from “youngsters in cars all hours of the day and night”, with “engines running and music blaring”.

He said he believes the machines would be better placed in towns and villages.

“We simply cannot enjoy our garden space,” Mr Hooper said.

Joanne Davidson, the council’s east area development manager, said there had been “convoys” of customers arriving “late into the evening” ruining the area’s rural character.

Ms Davidson said neighbours were annoyed about losing their “right to expect peace, quiet and privacy”.

Sarah Rickard of Castle Farm defended the venture saying they had always produced milk.

Farms across Wales are following their lead, Ms Rickard said, adding this was needed for diversification and income at a time when the Welsh government was telling farmers to diversify and be more sustainable.

At a council planning committee meeting on Wednesday members agreed to limit the machines’ opening hours.

The farm’s management has suggested moving the machines and called for longer opening hours than the council put forward.

“Milk and milk products are no different from other farm products which we can sell,” Ms Rickard told the committee, but acknowledged the machines had been “busy” during lockdown.

Ms Davidson said the council’s proposals were “the most suitable”, and they were approved unanimously by the committee.

Committee member John Reynolds told members he wanted to encourage diversification of the farm, but acknowledged that limiting the hours made sense.