Plans to create restaurant and shops at Raynham farm
Disused farm buildings at East Raynham could be transformed into a cafe/restaurant, delicatessan, shops and outdoor plant centre if planners are happy with the idea.
In a planning application to West Norfolk Council, Raynham Farm Company seeks permission for its latest diversification project.
A few weeks ago it asked to create an outdoor restaurant in woodland for summer use two or three days a month.
The latest proposals would convert traditional barns, stables and paddock at Lodge Farm to the west of Swaffham Road and close to grade 1 listed Raynham Hall and Raynham Park.
It is proposed that the main barn at Lodge Farm would be converted for use as a farm shop and retail space. Later additions to the west of the barn would be rebuilt to provide additional retail space, including a butchery, delicatessen and cold store. The rear courtyard of stables would be converted to additional retail space, staff facilities and toilets.
The farm shop would provide a retail outlet for produce from both the Raynham Estate and other local farms, supplying beef, pork and free-range chicken. It is also intended that the farm shop would offer a number of day-to-day convenience items, including local bread, dairy produce, fruit and vegetables – effectively fulfilling the role of a village shop currently lacking in the community.
It is proposed to convert and extend the main stable block to form a café/restaurant, providing around 100 covers. The restaurant/café would operate in conjunction with the farm shop and plant centre during the day and independently during the evening hours.
Land to the north-west of the proposed café/restaurant would be used for the sale of outdoor plants with retail space for the sale of garden products and equipment.
Plans for the development of Lodge Farm buildings were muted back in 2019 and submitted to the council for comment. Some concerns were raised about the proposed new building's impact on the landscape and local heritage and the size of the car park and, the new planning statement from the applicants says these have been taken into account by scaling down the latest proposals.