Earlier this month, an application to convert a "historic brick farm building" into a shop and cafe was approved by Stafford Borough Council.

The proposal, submitted in October 2023, sought permission to convert and extend "an existing farm building to create a small farm shop and cafe, and the demolition of redundant milking sheds" which would be replaced "with a single L-shaped detached building providing four commercial office units."

Dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, the building which would be converted is part of Plardiwick Farm near Gnosall. 

According to the council report accompanying the application, "the building is not listed or located within a conservation area; however, it still retains much of its historic agrarian character and contributes to the character and amenities of the rural locality."

The milking sheds, which would be knocked down to make space for "a two-storey commercial building providing four office units", are thought to be of "no historic or architectural interest."

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the site "via the Shropshire Union Canal and the NCN 55 Newport to Stafford Greenway or a combination of both."

In addition, the application claims the site would have 35 parking spaces, 16 serving the farm shop and cafe and 19 for the office units.

The council report states that: "Both the office building and the café/shop will have covered cycle secure stores and two EV charging units each."

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The new business should have a positive impact on Gnosall and the surrounding area as it will provide "additional tourism facilities" and employment opportunities for local people.

See the full application here.

Header image via Rob Farrow on Geograph.