Decision due on new Burgess Hill farm shop and tea room

The proposed site is north of Janes Lane and would be part of the wider Ote Hall estate, which includes the farm, business park, residential properties and Ote Hall itself.

The proposed new building would comprise a retail area, tea room and toilets, kitchen, cold store, delivery area and covered outdoor seating area, along with a car park.

The planning application describes how the proposals have been ‘sensitively developed’ to include a new rural building while safeguarding the character and future running of the estate.

It is due to be discussed by Mid Sussex District Council’s planning committee on Thursday (January 21).

The council has received 54 letters in support of the plans and officers are recommending approval, subject to conditions.

According to the plans: “The proposed design is the result of a careful, well-considered brief from the applicant, who has been heavily involved in the design direction of the building.

“They have spent a long time considering the future legacy of the farm and the wider estate. Great Ote Hall and Ote Hall Farm is a family run business, which has been in the Godman Family since 1530.

“There is clearly a strong connection between the family and the landscape, and they have a strong desire to ensure its future existence. This proposed building and its subsequent use, are central to these plans.”

A retail statement submitted with the application describes how the farm shop would sell high-quality artisan products and will include a butchery counter, deli counter, craft drinks, fresh, frozen and pantry goods as well as a weigh your own dry ingredients station.

Speaking to the Middy back in October, Carola Godman Irvine, who runs the business with her sons Matthew and Charley, said: “Ote Hall would not survive as a purely traditionally run farm without having already diversified into various enterprises.

“We see the farm shop and tea room as a natural way forward.

“Local people tell us that, despite being surrounded by some of the finest countryside in England, it is still difficult to track down home-produced meat, dairy and other high-quality Sussex foods without going miles out of their way for them.

“This project is not only essential to future proofing our farm for the next 100 years, but it will also provide a way for local farmers and food producers to find a wider audience.