Future of former farm shop site in Ferring revealed

Plans have been submitted for the future use of a former farm shop site in Ferring after Roundstone Farm Shop and Garden Centre relocated to Hillview Business Park earlier this year, leaving the Littlehampton Road premises vacant.

Ham Manor Farms has applied to Arun District Council for planning permission to change the use of the buildings and canopies from a shop and cafe to a flexible use allowing either agricultural activities or Class E commercial uses. The proposal would permit a range of activities including retail sales, food and drink services, offices, professional services, medical services and non-residential childcare facilities.

Planning documents state that the site was originally used for agriculture until 1988 when permission was granted for a farm shop. A cafe was later approved in 2014 and restrictions on shop sales were removed in 2017. The applicants say the shop and cafe were no longer viable and have now closed. No internal or external alterations to the buildings are proposed as part of the application.