Council approves new farm shop and tea room plans
Amended plans to build a farm shop and tea room in Burgess Hill have been approved by Mid Sussex District Council.
The application, for Ote Hall Farm, on Janes Lane, has been given the nod by the planning committee this month.
Permission for a larger scheme was given last January but the meeting was told that the rising cost of building materials had led to it being reduced in size.
Owned by the Godman family since 1530, the farm specialises in rearing Sussex cattle and houses a business park in its old dairy buildings.
Carola Godman Irvine said the tea room would be known as The Country Kitchen and she hoped it and the shop would be up and running by the autumn.
She said: “This project is increasingly important for the future of Great Ote Hall and Ote Hall Farm. The financial future of small family farms is increasingly uncertain.
“Although we have had to reduce the size of the overall building due to financial constraints and inflated build costs, this will not impact upon the look of the building.”
A planning statement submitted with the application said 20 full-time jobs would be created. A Godman Foundation would also be set up to promote the education, training and mentoring of young people, including those with learning difficulties. This would be achieved by setting aside a percentage of the profits from the business.
There will be parking for 74 cars and secure cycle parking for 20 bikes.
The application was given unanimous approval. Visit pa. midsussex.gov.uk and search for DM/21/3607.