AN Exmoor village which was the childhood home of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin could be about to lose its only tea room for visitors.

The news has divided opinions of parish councillors and residents in Winsford, who described it as ‘a major asset to the village’.

Owner Roy Thomson, who has run the Bridge Cottage tea rooms for 11 years, put the four-bedroom property on the market with estate agent Stags for £675,000 earlier this year.

But after failing to receive any offers, he has now asked Exmoor National Park Authority for permission to convert it to a house and to partly demolish and rebuild an extension to provide bed and breakfast accommodation.

Bridge Cottage has 47 covers indoors and more than 70 in its walled garden, and a free village car park is sited in front of it.

Winsford parish councillors voted against supporting the proposed change of use of the property after recognising the importance of the tea room for visitors of the village and the disappointment there would be among regular visitors if it was to be lost.

However, councillors recognised Mr Thomson had tried to sell it as a going concern without success and supported the remodelling element of the planning application because although there were other local accommodation providers there was nothing similar to the tea room offer.

Marketing material published by estate agent Stags for the sale of the property says: “There is huge potential here for the business to expand or can be run as a ‘lifestyle’ business at a level that would suit the new owners.

“The property occupies a prominent location in the heart of the picturesque village.

“It is a short walk to the church, village hall, and garage.

“The property is ideally located to take advantage of the wonderful walking and riding opportunities on Exmoor, in particular Winsford Hill.”

Trades unionist and statesman Ernest Bevin, who helped found the Transport and General Workers Union and became a Government Minister in the 1940s, was born and went to school in Winsford.

The family home of Boris Johnson, who resigned as Prime Minister earlier this year, is located just outside Winsford.