Home Farm at Uppark House and Garden could undergo major changes, if planning approval is given by the South Downs National Park Authority.
Consultation is underway regarding an application to reuse, repair and restore farm buildings to provide garage and ancillary floor space for Park House. An estate office with provision for archive storage, two tourist units and associated storage and utility areas, with a wellness room, plant room and associated demolition and removal of modern farm buildings, enclosures and concrete hard standing with associated landscape works.
The applicant owns and operates the farmland at Uppark Estate and is also the owner of the buildings at Home Farm, which are the subject of the application.
Existing buildings in the plans are located to the north west of Uppark House and are in various conditions, with some experiencing ongoing deterioration and worsening conditions. The applicant is particularly concerned about Hay Barn, as this building was in a poor condition when listed in 2022 and subsequent storms have caused further damage to the roof structure, parts of which have collapsed.
According to planning design and access statement, the proposals will:
- Include enhancements to habitats including the restoration of scrub and the re-creation of modified chalk grassland
- Increase the ability to store carbon through new planting
- Support the sustainable production and use of food, forestry and raw materials
- Reduce levels of pollution
- Improve opportunities for peoples’ health and wellbeing
Highways made no objection to the proposals and pointed out that each tourist unit will have its own dedicated parking space and does not anticipate any impacts on the safety or operation of the highways network.
A bat survey report undertaken by Batscan Ltd, found only one common pipistrelle using the roof of the Dairy Barn as an occasional day roost.
The report stated: “This individual might have been temporarily displaced by works to the North Barn, although the hanging tiles on the south side of this barn have been retained as existing.
“Natural England have confirmed that no additional licence will be required with regard to the single bat roosting in the Dairy Barn, as it is adjacent to the South Barn, where works are being undertaken under an NE European Protected Species Licence (Bats).
“This will allow the appropriate protocol to be followed.”
No evidence was found to suggest that bats are roosting elsewhere in the Dairy Barn, in the Dutch Barn or Hay Barn and no further specific surveys of the latter two buildings should be required, provided that works commence within one year of the date of the final survey.
Harting Parish Council has made no objections.