Sungrove Farm, East End, Newbury
Planning Potential secured planning permission for a farm diversification and rural enterprise scheme in the North Wessex Downs AONB, creating a farm shop, gift shop, bakery, plant nursery, café, education space and replacement agricultural worker dwelling.
Challenge
The site's location within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and East End Conservation Area required a scheme that respected and enhanced its sensitive setting. Making the case for commercial development in the countryside and AONB required a robust planning justification, and community support was essential to success.
Approach
Planning Potential worked closely with architects and landscape consultants to ensure the scheme respected the AONB and Conservation Area setting. Pre-application discussions were held with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Communications Potential ran an extensive public and stakeholder engagement programme including a large public consultation event at the farm and presentations to the parish council.
Outcome
Officer recommendation and unanimous committee resolution secured. Planning permission granted for the full farm diversification scheme including farm shop, bakery, café, education space and replacement agricultural worker dwelling. Discharge of conditions and non-material amendments subsequently co-ordinated.