Christian sect wants to open Devon tea room

A Devon community is seeking to turn its food and drink venue into a formal restaurant and tea room.

Plans have been lodged to turn what is technically still a residential dining room at Stentwood Farm in Dunkeswell, near Honiton, into a more official setting.

Stentwood Farm is home to a religious community of families and single people that have lived there since 1998.

Since 2012, the Twelve Tribes community has used the dining space as a private dining area for its community members and a reception room for visitors arriving at Stentwood Farm, and has sold goods on a ‘what it’s worth basis’, meaning visitors pay what they believe the food is worth.

“Tea, coffee and light refreshments have been offered on a donations basis to our guests,” the planning application that has been lodged with East Devon District Council states.

“We would like to formally change the use of the space to become a Tea Room.”