Pitton Community Shop – Phase 2 – Building.

The project is to design and build a community shop with a post office and small cafe as an extension to the village hall. The aim is to ensure that Pitton does not lose a shop and post office when the current shop closes in 2026, when the owner retires.
We will replace the existing shop with a new purpose-built community shop and café at the centre of the village, as an extension to the village hall. The community shop will be run by paid and volunteer staff and will be a hub for accessing other community services.
The shop will be a key part of the community and provide an important support network, especially for people who are vulnerable or at risk of social isolation.
The main output will be a local shop and post office with a wide range of goods at the heart of the village. The new shop will be built next door to the village hall, in the centre of the village, within walking distance for the majority of Pitton residents. To achieve this we will lease land from the village hall and have worked closely with the village hall Trustees to develop plans that complement and enhance the hall. The position of the shop will be close to other community assets such as the hall, pub and pre-school, creating a rural hub for the community. The new building will be insulated to high standard and has been designed to include solar panels on the roof. These will be added when funds permit.
We aim to provide an outlet for local farmers and other local producers so reducing “food miles” and associated carbon. Similarly, we aim to reduce residents’ car journeys to supermarkets. The resident’s survey indicated this typically involves a minimum round-trip of 8 miles.
Drop off and pick up facilities for prescriptions, parcels and dry cleaning will also reduce carbon associated with deliveries and collections.
The shop and café will aim to minimise non-re-cyclable packaging and offer refill services for popular products.