A family who sold their home to buy a farm shop will bulldoze the dilapidated building for renovations after their plans were approved.

Simon and Alison Cock - owners of the Delf Farm Shop in Sandwich - say they will demolish the existing building and convert an on-site barn into a new shop and cafe.

The family purchased the shop three years ago - selling their own home in the town in order to do so.

But since then, parts of the building have fallen into disrepair, with a food hygiene inspector in March noting water leaks.

A report prepared by district planners says: “Parts of the site’s built form are in poor condition, having been established (and used) for a number of years with limited investment.

“The proposal seeks to improve the site’s facilities and offering, investing in the capacity of the site to more adequately serve its patrons with purpose-built buildings replacing those reaching the end of their usable lifespan.”

With permission now having been granted by Dover District Council, the family can move forward with plans to also add a kitchen, toilet facilities and a garden centre canopy.

The Deal Road site offers local and home-grown vegetables, fruits and plants, as well as baked goods, milk and meats.

Son Thomas and daughter Katie work alongside their parents to help run the farm shop.

A cherished business in the area, many locals wrote messages of support to the planning officers at DDC.

Resident Ruth King said: “A rebuild of the farm shop is well overdue and the addition of a cafe and facilities will be such a bonus to this site, local people, walkers and motorhomers. I really do hope this gets approved.”

Another, Phil Rooke, added: “Good on the owners for taking this huge step to improve the farm shop.”