The hard work has paid off for pioneering Long Barn!

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.”