Norfolk farm could be transformed with new café, veterinary practice and office space |
The ambitious scheme will transform a section of Attleborough Hall Farm into a commercial hub spanning more than 2,200sqm.
The Walker family, who manage the arable and dairy farm, are seeking to convert and knock down a range of old barns to construct the 456sqm of veterinary space, a 188sqm café and more than 1,600sqm of flexible office accommodation.
The plans feature a new café, veterinary practice, office space and 96-space car park, (Image: Brown and Co)
There are also plans to build a 96-space car park with disabled bays and electric vehicle charging units.
The new facilities will add to an existing business at the farm known as Daisy's Milk Shed, which sells fresh milk via on-site vending machines and hosts occasional seasonal events.
Daisy's Milk Shed on the site hosted a Santa's Grotto for the first time in 2025 (Image: Daisy's Milk Shed)
However, Anglian Water has formally objected to the plans, warning that the town's recycling centre cannot handle the extra sewage load that would be produced.
The firm said Attleborough could not handle extra waste until at least 2030 and described the prospect of connecting the development as an "environmental risk".
To counter the sewage fears, the farming family has proposed using a private treatment plant that will divert waste into a nearby watercourse while it builds the café, veterinary practice and initial offices.
However officers have said the final phase of office space will not be able to be constructed until a long-term solution is secured.
An aerial view of the current site (Image: Google)
The site, north of the A11, borders the Grade-II listed Attleborough Hall, which has made heritage a key consideration.
Both planning officers and the council's historic buildings officer have backed the scheme, arguing the restoration of the traditional barn ranges - using matching brick, flint and timber - will enhance the Hall's setting.
The demolition of several modern agricultural sheds has also been welcomed as an improvement to the wider countryside.
The developer has also pledged to fund road improvements and a new pathway on Deopham Road to improve pedestrian and cycling links from the town.
Breckland Council planning officers have recommended approval due to the new local jobs set to be created and the restoration of the historic barns.
The application will go before the planning committee on Tuesday, March 24.