A NEW West Somerset village store is expected to open next week after plans were unanimously approved by councillors.

The shop, which is being converted from part of the former Anchors Drop public house in Cleeve Hill, Blue Anchor, is due to start trading on Tuesday (May 27).

The property has changed dramatically in the past few years, with caravans sited to the east of its car park, the main building converted to holiday lets, and new solar panels installed to provide clean energy to the complex.

It is owned by Cara Strom, whose partner Cllr Marcus Kravis sits on Somerset Council which granted the planning approval to turn one of the remaining parts of the pub into a convenience store, providing essential supplies to both the holiday lets and the rest of the village.

Ms Strom said the store will be open daily between 8 am and 10 am and 2 pm and 6 pm, offering a range of fresh groceries, snacks, and household items.

The shop, in the former games room and carvery area, has access from the B3191 road, and will have new toilets.

Cllr Kravis spoke at the council’s planning meeting in a personal capacity but did not take part in the final vote on Ms Strom’s application, in line with the council’s constitution covering personal interests.

He said: “The steps down from the car park are not steep, and the car park and the B3191 entrance both have access ramps.

“Time and time again, individual parish councillors have used the planning process to put the boot in.

“When there was a recent application for Bar 21 in Minehead, some of the comments published on the council’s website were outrageous.

“I am a local councillor and I have a thick skin, but that does not mean my family have to be thick-skinned.”