In 2011 Long Barn were left reeling by Winchester City Council’s refusal
to grant permission for a development of their business on the Old
Sheep Fair in Alresford. It was a devastating blow for this popular
business, which had the support of hundreds of local residents.
All is different today as lavender business Long Barn is celebrating the
decision by the City Council to grant planning permission to develop
its retail plant nursery, the serving of refreshments and a programme of
country craft workshops.
Founder Richard Norris explains: “We never doubted for one minute that
planning law supported our application and we began the Appeal process
immediately after our original application was refused. Soon after the
refusal we resubmitted our application and it is this that has now been
granted on delegated powers.vAt every step we have taken excellent
advice from our planning consultants Turley Associates and it is a shame
that it has taken so long for the council to acknowledge the validity
of our case. It has been an incredibly frustrating and costly process,
with damaging and unnecessary delays.”
Director Jane Marsden adds: “A big factor in our favour was the
unprecedented level of support from local residents and other
businesses. More than 1600 people signed our petition and literally
hundreds wrote to the council in support including the South Downs
Committee. People were flabbergasted as to why we should not be granted
permission to develop what is a unique and highly valued business. We
would like to thank them all, as well as our MP Steve Brine for his firm
support over the last 2 years. A special mention should go to the
Economic Prosperity team at Winchester City Council, which was
consistent in its encouragement and is a very good asset to the planning
process. We desperately need a speedier and more collaborative decision
making process for business planning decisions.”
MP Steve Brine echoed these sentiments : “This has been torturous for
Long Barn. No-one is objecting to due and proper process being followed
but we should always be minded that businesses can go over the edge if
there are extended delays when they seek help from the local council,
with all the implications that would have for the local economy and the
people they employ. The city council have worked hard in recent months
to sharpen up the way it supports rural businesses looking to set-up and
expand and that is very welcome at any time but especially right now.”
Cllr Rob Humby, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement at
Winchester City Council commented: "We want to encourage enterprising
businesses like Long Barn, and help them to succeed. It is thanks to
pioneering businesses such as this that we can gather evidence to make
changes to our planning systems for the good of our local economy.”
The new planning permission will make a tremendous difference to the
potential of Long Barn, whose sustainable business has a unique
combination of garden, home and beauty products alongside its plant
nursery and lavender growing business. Richard concludes: “We are
extremely excited about fulfilling our vision for the business and
making our site an even more attractive destination for both local
residents and visitors to the area.”