Strawberry farm plans to have a shop and café in its barn

Sharrington Strawberries, near Holt, has applied to change its barn from agricultural storage to a farm shop and café. 

The application states the new business will run from Monday to Sunday between 8am and 6pm if approved.

Simon Turner, owner of the farm, believes the new venture will be the best use for the building. 

"We need to diversify to survive really," he said.

"The idea is to reduce food miles and give more quality produce to people locally.

Customers visiting the farm are able to pick their own strawberries. (Image: Archant)

"Business is going well. We work very hard to get quality right and we've had many customers ask for all sorts so the best way to fulfil that is to expand."

The plans also include alterations to its car park, which could see an additional 29 parking spaces, two EV parking spaces and three disabled parking spaces built.

There will also be one delivery space for larger trucks and six slots for bicycles. 

Acorus, acting on behalf of Mr Turner, said: "By changing the use of the barn to a multipurpose, it will enable the business to evolve and remain viable.

"There will be multiple uses to work in harmony and create a wide range of services for the local community by offering fresh local produce.

Workers picking strawberries by hand at Sharrington Strawberries. (Image: Danielle Booden)
"This development also stands to offer a number of new employment opportunities, which include up to eight full time and four part-time employees." 

Sharrington Strawberries has been operating since 1982 and offers more than strawberries. 

The farm also grows its own asparagus, sweetcorn and other soft fruits, which are then sold from a small shop on the property.

The plans could also include a deli.

Acorus said: "Pigs, cattle, lambs and other livestock will all be locally sourced and purchased by the applicant as required and processed and sold in the on-site butchery or deli, farm shop and café."