Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Café In Green Belt Area With Grant Assistance

A family farming company on the edge of York approached Mick Robson of Acorus in 2000 to investigate the potential for the development of a farm shop and café based on 27.5 acres of their land. An initial positive planning and financial feasibility study led to the detailed design and planning application for the Balloon Tree Farm shop and Café.

Acorus, acting as designers, planning agent and project managers, submitted the full application in March 2002. Initially, it was recommended by the Local Planning Authority that the plans should be rejected under the grounds that the application submitted was for a retail development within a Green Belt area. But, following representations to the Planning Committee and then the Full Council, the plans were eventually approved and planning permission was granted in October 2002.

Acorus then project managed the building regulations application, tender preparation, assessment of quotations and appointment of the lead contractor. At the same time 30% grant aid assistance was secured through the DEFRA Rural Enterprise Scheme allowing the client to develop the project in a shorter space of time. Site construction work began in August 2003 and the farm shop opened for business in April 2004.

The shop now has 65 staff with a turnover of £1.5m+. The very happy owners, having expanded the cropping area, are now looking to further develop the site.

With the imminent arrival of the new grant system under the RDPE (Rural Development Programme for England) opportunities may be available for other suitable rural diversification schemes to be developed by landowners especially in collaboration with other local businesses.

Please go to www.theballoontree.co.uk for further information