By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy reporter
A once-popular ice cream parlour near Southwell has closed for good after new plans were approved for the building.
Newfield Dairy Ice Cream Parlour, on Caunton Road between Caunton and Hockerton, had run since 2011.
However, business has suffered since the pandemic and Newark and Sherwood District Council has given permission to convert the building into a home.
The parlour and café was run by Anne Pogson after her husband John suggested it as a form of diversification on their farm.
The family-run business was a hit for many years, with nearly 1,500 Google reviews and a rating of 4.5 stars.
Its menu included homemade ice cream, sorbets, cakes, desserts and lunch options.
It temporarily closed in January due to family illness, and has not reopened since.
The parlour posted at the time: “We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time. We look forward to serving you again when we reopen this spring. Thank you for being part of our ice cream family.”
Planning documents say: “[The business] was forced to close during the Covid pandemic and unfortunately has never recovered.
“The family has come to the difficult decision to close the business.”
An application for change of use was made to the council earlier this summer, and this has now been approved.
Customers have since left messages of support on the parlour’s Facebook page.
Emma Marie said: “I’m so sad to see your permanently closed. Thank you for all the happy memories over the years.
“Summer days and Christmas will not be the same, we’re going to miss our tradition of visiting for holidays and birthdays.”
Annemarie Brody said: “Absolutely devastated to hear you are closing for good. You were my number one place for both food and ice cream.”
Andrea Young added she was “gutted” by the news.