RISING customer demand for 'real' bread and free range eggs has led to an extension at a Crossgates farm shop.

Woodlea Stables, just outside the village on North Road, extended the bakery area into an adjacent agricultural shed and converted other sheds to form a cafe / coffee shop, sales area, kitchen and stores.

However, the owners hadn't realised they needed planning permission to do so and have now submitted a retrospective application to Fife Council.

They also want to add a new toilet block for customers at the smallholding.

Their planning agent explained: "Business has shown a steady growth in customer numbers and reputation to such an extent that it has become necessary to extend the bakery floor area into the adjacent shed.

"Customer demand has also meant that a dedicated kitchen and retail areas have had to be formed as the business now employs 10 members of staff covering different areas of fruit and veg, free range hens, bakery production and retail sales.

"The cafeteria/coffee shop has been a popular addition, again due to customer demand for a friendly, welcoming space to enjoy a hot drink and a snack."

He added: "The cafeteria and sales areas were formed without realising that further planning permission would be required."

The artisan bakery is "home to some of the best bread in Scotland" and has won the 'champion' loaf category in the Royal Highland Show for two years in a row.

Woodlea added: "Real bread consists only of flour, water, salt and either a minimal amount of yeast or a sourdough starter. "We never hurry our bread and it is allowed to ferment slowly over time."

Due to Covid-19, the farm shop is temporarily closed but orders for bread and eggs can still be made online.