A proposal to establish additional retail spaces at a well-known agricultural enterprise has received approval from council officials.

Lewes District Council planning staff established that Class R permitted development rights could be utilised to transform two farm barns at Middle Farm into four business units.

Government planning regulations permit such changes without requiring a full planning application, provided the developer first notifies the appropriate local planning authority.

In this instance, officials verified the scheme would qualify for permitted development rights and would not trigger any issues necessitating further prior authorisation.

According to a council planning representative’s statement: the structures have been verified as qualifying agricultural buildings, none of the restrictions outlined in Class R are applicable, and the total floor area proposed for conversion would stay under the 1,000 square metre limit.

Regarding the prior approval considerations, the scheme would not generate unacceptable traffic or highway implications, with East Sussex County Council Highways offering no objection contingent on the provision of car and bicycle parking facilities.

Owing to the location of the site alongside the A27, the existing blend of commercial and farming operations at Middle Farm, and the distance from neighbouring houses, the proposed adaptable usage is not regarded as likely to produce harmful noise effects.

Additionally, there is no indication of contamination that would justify rejection, and the location does not fall within a flood risk zone.

The current Middle Farm premises — situated on the north side of the A27 close to Firle — already houses multiple retail outlets, a café and a specialist cider producer.

The working farm also functions as a tourist destination, providing various activities suitable for families.

For additional details, refer to application reference LW/26/0347 on the Lewes District Council website.