Blur star Alex James has applied for planning permission to create a cheesemaking barn on his 200-acre farm.

Planning documents say the bassist turned award-winning cheesemaker, who has five children  - Galileo, Geronimo, Artemis, Beatrix and Sable - has abandoned plans to create riding stables and a riding arena.

Instead he hopes to put up a new building for use in his cheesemaking business.

In a statement to West Oxfordshire District Council, his planning agent said: "The use of the building for cheese making would be complementary to other existing, similar food-producing business units on the site.

"The new business will lead to job creation in a rural area where jobs are relatively scarce with the spin-off boost to the local economy assisting local people to gain employment and the benefits that brings to existing local businesses.

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"Overall, the proposal represents a positive and sustainable form of development that in the clear circumstances of this case should reasonably be supported and planning permission granted as applied for."

There have so far been no objections from neighbours.

Mr James bought the farmhouse and renovated it into a burgeoning cheese farm following his success with Blur.

His award-winning cheeses include 'Alex James Presents' – a range of British artisan cheeses – 'Good Queen Maude', 'Blue Monday', 'Little Wallop', 'Farleigh Wallop', and 'Goddess'.

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His range of everyday cheeses hit the shelves of Asda in 2011 with flavour combinations including 'cheddar and tomato ketchup', 'cheddar and salad cream', and 'cheddar and tikka masala'.

Jeremy Bowen, cheese consultant, said: "They are cheeky price points, they are yummy, they are not difficult to understand. He wants to introduce the great and the good".

Mr James’s farm already boasts a tractor shed, cow shed, an orchard, rose garden, tomato garden, herb garden, pond and Pilates studio.

Last weekend the farm hosted his hugely popular annual food and music festival The Big Feastival.

 

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