AssetSphere were instructed to gain consent for change of use of a farm building near Dorchester. The aim was to support the diversification of an existing agricultural holding through the creation of a farm shop.
The proposal involved the change of use of an existing agricultural building to a mixed retail use, alongside associated parking and access arrangements. The scheme was designed to enable the client to expand their business, improve resilience, and support local food supply chains.
The challenge
The site is located within open countryside where planning policy seeks to strictly control new retail development. It was therefore necessary to clearly demonstrate that the proposal:
- Represented a genuine farm diversification scheme
- Remained ancillary to the agricultural unit
- Would not result in unacceptable landscape or visual harm
- Could operate without adverse impact on the local highway network
Similar to other rural planning projects, close engagement with planning officers and consultees was required to address policy constraints and site-specific sensitivities.
Our approach
AssetSphere undertook a detailed appraisal of the site and developed a robust planning strategy to support the application. It was decided to utilise the permitted development allowances for the farm under Class R of the permitted development regulations. This offered an approach which could achieve the necessary consent and reduce the time spent within the planning process.
This included:
- Preparation of a Planning Statement to demonstrate compliance with the Class R permitted development legislation
- Justification of the proposal as a sustainable rural enterprise
- Ongoing liaison with the Local Planning Authority to resolve matters during determination
The design retained the agricultural character of the building, ensuring the development integrated appropriately within its rural setting.
The result
Planning permission was successfully secured for the farm shop development. The approval allows the client to:
- Diversify their agricultural business
- Provide a retail outlet for locally produced goods
- Contribute to the rural economy in the Dorchester area