Plans to allow Fakenham’s Fat Cow burger restaurant to open year-round could be refused

Plans to turn a seasonal outdoor burger venue into something “more permanent” could be refused.

Despite several supporting statements from residents and the backing of the town council, plans to upgrade Fat Cow’s site in Fakenham have been recommended to be rejected by Norfolk County Council’s highways department.

The highly-rated pop-up stall lodged its application with North Norfolk District Council last year to build a new farm shop, restaurant and separate bar, which could remain open year-round.

As of right now, it operates only during the summer from a food truck in a field off Thorpland Road - but now Ashworth’s, the farming business that owns it, wants to expand in the hopes that it will help it offer more food and drink.

However, a response from Highways says there would be a lack of safe access for pedestrians and cyclists.

And planning officers have recommended the scheme for refusal because “insufficient information has been provided in order to sufficiently demonstrate that the proposal would meet the tests of agricultural diversification”.

The site is situated just off the A148 and A1067 roundabout, which are busy roads with no pavements, crossings or bus stops.

Highways development management officer Darren Mortimer responded to the application and said: “A primary planning consideration is to ensure that development proposals achieve a suitable connection to the highway that is safe for pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of vehicles.”

Last month, Cllr Christopher Cushing, the North Norfolk District Council ward member, submitted a development committee call-in because of the intention to refuse.

It means that the council will be able to debate the plans rather than letting officers decide its fate. The committee next meets on May 29.

“I strongly support this application,” he said.

“I can see no valid planning reasons to refuse this. It is essential for farmers to be able to diversify their businesses in these challenging times.

“This application develops an existing enterprise and will allow them to scale up the business.

“They are using local produce and providing further employment opportunities.

“If the council is minded to approve a new McDonald’s application for Fakenham, it certainly ought to help a local business as well by approving this application.”