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The owners of a farm shop in St. Brelade have been given permission to extend their opening hours following an outpouring of public support.
Jon and Jenny Hackett, who own Brooklands Farm, applied to extend their approved opening times in July to "provide full-time employment for two people as well as cater for customers' request for more opening hours".
The farm shop along Route des Genets in St. Brelade is a familiar part of the surrounding landscape, known for its pigs, poultry, and Genuine Jersey products made in-house.
The shop previously had limited hours, closing on Mondays and shutting down at 14:00 on weekdays and 16:00 on Saturdays due to restrictions.
With the approved planning application, however, it can now stay open until 17:00 from Monday to Saturday, while Sunday hours (10:00 to 14:00) will remain the same.
The planning officer's report concluded that the extended hours are "appropriate" and reasonable and won't negatively affect nearby residents. It also recognised that these changes would contribute to a "sustainable rural economy" by supporting local businesses.
The planning application received more than 60 supportive public comments, many of which lauded the convenience of having the shop open later for those who work office hours.
One islander said: "It is businesses like this that make the island special and they should be encouraged. Current opening hours are restrictive and allowing them to open within most normal business parameters after having proved they have a viable business would be sensible."
Another added that they "support this change in opening hours as this farm shop provides Genuine Jersey produce and this will allow us to have the option to visit the shop at more convenient times, due to work commitments".
Other public comments echoed this sentiment.
One islander explained: "This island needs to support our local farmers or we risk losing them altogether.
"...This farm shop brings people the best quality of local produce and it should be as easily available as the imported poorer quality food that somehow is available at all hours."
It comes just months after Kate Hackett, daughter of Brooklands' owner Jon, following her father's stroke in November.
Pictured: Kate Hackett crosses the line of the Hospice 2 Hospice Half Marathon.
Kate crossed the line of the Hospice 2 Hospice race in March after 2 hours and 20 minutes of running.
Pictured top: Brooklands Farm owner Jon Hackett photographed in August 2020. (Rob Currie)
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