A FACTORY shop in North Tawton has been told it must restrict its number of goods on sale to visitors after traders feared it would take business away from the town centre.
Glanbia Foods has been granted retrospective planning permission for a retail outlet at the Taw Valley Creamery, but the items for sale to visitors will be restricted to dairy products and souvenir items only.
Only staff will be able to purchase groceries ranging from dog food to toiletries, which have been on general sale to visitors since the shop opened before Christmas.
The decision, made by West Devon Borough Council's planning committee, has been welcomed by North Tawton Town Businesses spokesman Nigel Davies.
He said: 'As we have always said, we are not against the factory selling cheese and dairy products but a mini supermarket is a different issue.
'Many items in the shop are cheaper than retailers in the town can buy them for.
'The council's decision will ensure the future of the Square.'
Members of the planning committee were told the factory shop at the creamery, or cheese factory as it is locally known, was added to develop a higher profile for the business and to promote the site as a location for educational and recreational visits.
Planning officer John Milverton said the shop would be a flagship for the creamery's products and cater for increased visitor numbers.
Mr Milverton said this week he was in discussion with Glanbia and expected the new system of retailing to be set up in the near future.
The manager at Taw Valley Creamery declined to speak to the Okehampton Times.