Planning for success
JF & BM Gray is a family run agricultural enterprise, based at Sheepwash Farm, Whittington, Staffordshire. The farm comprises some 900 hectares, the majority of which is in Green Belt.
CT Planning has assisted JF & BM Gray in obtaining planning permission for the change of use of a portal framed agricultural building to a children’s day nursery.
The nursery opened in November 2020. It provides places for around 50 children between the ages of three months old to school age. The nursery currently employs seven staff and is presently advertising for three additional staff.
The children’s nursery was introduced into the building without any need for extension or significant alteration. New windows and door openings together with a first floor have been inserted. The scheme was promoted on the basis that it maintained the agricultural character of the building whilst safeguarding the openness of the Green Belt.
The nursery has brought benefits to the local economy - providing local employment, as well as access to a children’s nursery within walking distance of Whittington. The proposal was entirely consistent with Government and Local Planning Policies concerned with rural diversification and the re-use of buildings in Green Belt
The children’s nursery is part of a wide range of diversification projects that have been undertaken at Sheepwash Farm. At Sheepwash Farm, CT Planning have assisted in obtaining planning permission for diversification projects that include a 500kw/60-metre wind turbine, a solar array, a fishing lodge, as well as the erection of stables and the change of use of agricultural land to equestrian use.
CT Planning is part on the NFU group of companies and will be at Farm Business Innovation on the NFU stand – number 620. For more information on the services provided by CT Planning visit ctplanning.co.uk
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