A HUGELY successful ice cream business has put forward plans to expand its car park to cater to its 'ever growing' demand.

The Stable family, of Edge Hill Farm, Mountbarrow Road, Ulverston, started their venture, Cumbrian Cow Ice Cream five years ago.

Fourth generation dairy farmers, the family was overwhelmed by the interest in their new, fresh ice-cream business when it first opened in 2016. The milk for the home-made ice-cream is produced by the family's award-winning herd of Holstein Friesian cows that live on their second farm - Bolton Manor in Urswick.

Since launching, Cumbria Crow has grown hugely in popularity - and as a result farmer Mike Stable has put forward plans to South Lakeland District Council to expand the site's car park.

According to the design and access statement, the family envisaged that they would serve around 3,000 people a year when they first set up their business - but estimate that they serve around 30,000 people each year.

It states: "When the ice cream shop was first opened, the applicants envisaged that they would serve around 3,000 people a year. However, they estimate that year on year they have served around 30,000 people. The applicants originally thought that two employees could run the shops, but they now have nine local people on their payroll.

"They therefore wish to provide a purpose-built access and car park to alleviate vehicles queuing on the road and causing congestion."

The car park, which is a flat field adjacent to the farm, will provide 34 more parking spaces, with a one-way system through the site.

Plans have also been put forward for a new farm traffic access point so the original entry is not in direct conflict with the 'out' route for customers cars. The proposal states: "During Covid the farm has operated a drive through system, and it is the intention to continue this as an option going forward. Allowing this proposal will enable the applicants to accommodate the customers to their ever growing business, which creates employment and a boost to the local economy."