Holiday lets at Church Farm, Fring, set for approval

Villagers objected after Oykel Farms applied to convert the buildings at Church Farm, in Fring, because of the extra traffic they feared the scheme would bring to the tiny village, which has less than 50 residents.

A report to West Norfolk council's planning committee says the proposals have been amended after a meeting with neighbours in the tiny hamlet, near Heacham.

The barns date back to the 19th Century and are not suitable for modern farming methods (Image: Chris Bishop)

Changes include reducing the number of properties from six to five. A 'welcome' barn, along with dedicated parking and access for guests is the subject of a separate application.

"The net result is a carefully considered proposal which would secure the future of a range of historic barns through sensitive restoration and redevelopment," the report goes on.

"Securing the future of these historic buildings will help preserve the character of the Fring Conservation Area – a character which owes a great deal to the way in which the applicants have managed the Fring Estate over previous decades.

The building which would be turned into a welcome barn at Church Farm in Fring (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The proposal also represents the successful diversification of the traditional agricultural operations based at the farm, with the development creating new jobs and new opportunities for existing local businesses achieved through appropriate re-use of existing, underused buildings, whilst not adversely impacting operations on the farming unit."

The barns, which stand around a courtyard, date back to the 19th century but are not listed.

After amending his proposals for them, Oykel director Freddie Brun said he was trying to find a use for buildings which might otherwise fall down.

Less than 50 people live in the tiny hamlet of Fring (Image: Chris Bishop)

The report to councillors adds: "Taken together these applications for conversion of barns to provide holiday units, and the change of use of a barn to provide a welcome barn, would deliver the sympathetic and sustainable reuse of a historic range of barns."

Both applications will be discussed when the planning committee meets on Monday, December 5.