Portway Farm Shop

Old farm building diversified into a working farm shop for the family business

The owners had a vision — to diversify the farm into something that could sustain the family business long into the future, while staying true to the agricultural character that made the site special in the first place.

For Portway, we worked through a phased planning approach that reflected how the farm was genuinely growing — not trying to do everything at once, but building in a considered, sustainable way. A key principle throughout was not to overpopulate the site. Rural planning authorities rightly scrutinise cumulative development on farm sites, and the most successful applications are those that demonstrate restraint and long-term thinking rather than maximum extraction.

By the time they came to us, the farm already had a bridal shop, offices, and a doggy daycare on site. Their vision was a farm shop that was a natural fit for a working farm, and a genuine asset to the local community. The challenge was bringing a derelict barn back to life in a way that complemented everything already there, without overwhelming a quiet rural setting.

Navigating Class R permitted development

Class R permitted development is one of the most useful, yet underused planning tools available to rural landowners. Introduced under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, it allows agricultural buildings to be converted to commercial use without the need for a full planning application in many cases — covering uses including farm shops, cafés, offices, storage and leisure.

We made the case for development that was proportionate to the site, sensitive to its rural setting, and genuinely aligned with the farm's business plan. That approach builds trust with planning officers.

Designing commercial space that feels like it belongs

There's a particular discipline required when designing commercial buildings in rural locations. The building needs to work hard — functional, welcoming and practical — all while sitting quietly in the landscape.

At Portway, we reused an existing derelict barn rather than proposing new build. The original agricultural character guided our material choices and the overall form. The result is a farm shop that feels genuinely rooted in its setting, because it is.

A farm with a future

What started as an underused barn is now a thriving farm shop that fits the site, serves the community, and gives the farm a sustainable commercial future — built on its own heritage rather than against it.