Plans to establish a farm shop and cafe at Home Farm in Burton Hill, Corston, near Malmesbury, are now in the hands of a planning inspector following a refusal by Wiltshire Council.
Steve Baker submitted the application in November 2024, seeking approval to convert an existing modern steel-framed agricultural building into a shop and cafe, alongside creating a dedicated car park. The building is located within a yard just off the road between Malmesbury and Chippenham.
However, in January 2025, a Wiltshire Council planning officer rejected the proposal. The council’s decision echoed earlier refusals on the site regarding the conversion of agricultural buildings into housing. Their objections centered on concerns about introducing development into the countryside without sufficient justification and the impact of added parking facilities. The council noted that the parking arrangement would be alien to the rural landscape, harming its character and scenery, and emphasized that on-site parking is essential for highway safety.
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Representing the applicant, planning consultancy Willis & Co countered these concerns, arguing that the site is largely screened from view by hedgerows and walls. They highlighted that parking would be confined to the existing yard area, which would not detract from the landscape’s character. Additionally, plans include planting new hedges and trees along the southern boundary and demolishing a smaller barn—a change already approved—to enhance the site’s appearance. Willis & Co stressed that these measures would not only mitigate any potential harm but also improve the local environment.
They concluded that the benefits of the development significantly outweigh the limited harm suggested by the council and that the proposed landscaping would effectively address those concerns.
The appeal process will proceed through written representations, with a planning inspector ultimately deciding whether the farm shop and cafe can go ahead.