An award winning Rutland bakery has won planning approval to protect its customers from the rain and the cold.

Hambleton bakery at 2 Cottesmore Road, Exton, can now construct an open glazed canopy along its shop front for queuing and click and collect customers.

Its planning application to Rutland County Council said: "It is a response to the need to safeguard customers and staff alike and to allow the social distancing required by the Covid-19 regulations and guidance."

A report by council planning staff confirmed: The proposal is for a small scale addition to an existing rural use. The principle is thereby acceptable subject to other considerations. The proposal is to provide shelter for customers queuing outside, especially during the current pandemic where social distancing is required."

The report continued: "The site is screened from the highway by a significant group of trees and hedging and whilst there would be a glimpse of the proposed structure through the main gate, it is only a lightweight glazed structure that would not be prominent either in the street scene or the wider Exton Park."

It concluded: "The proposed development would be in accordance with the development plan policies set out above, would not materially harm the character of the historic park or the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and would be acceptable in all other planning considerations."