Planning Permission has just been granted for a farm redevelopment designed by James Bell Architecture that will create a beautiful new Ice Cream Shop and Café in the heart of Cheshire.  The proposals include the conversion of a two storey barn that will be completely gutted and renovated.  The original first floor shall be removed to create a two storey height open galleried seating space that will show off the historic timber trusses and purlins and create a dramatic impact and as well as a light and open feel.  There will be a separate contained room for parties and events.  Outside, there will be seating areas and buildings with farm animals for visitors to see.  The development comes at a time of increasing hardship in the dairy industry with reductions in milk prices having a huge effect on the farming community.  This farming based client is thinking innovatively to re-use their redundant buildings to create what promises to be a lively and popular tourist spot within the Cheshire Countryside.  James Bell Architecture have received a rising number of commissions to convert redundant barns in to new commercial and residential uses since the relaxed planning rules and is reaching a 100% approval rate.

Construction work on this project will proceed shortly with the intention of opening in the Summer.  Can’t wait to taste my first ice cream.. 🙂