From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By liver Leonard, 14 March 2023.

Clarkson's Farm-style barn conversion into pub in Barfrestone, between Dover and Canterbury, approved.

A bid to convert a vacant barn into a pub in a Clarkson's Farm-style project has been approved.

The new drinking spot will be allowed to operate from inside the building at Barfrestone Court Farm, which also has permission to host weddings.

The plans have been backed by villagers in Barfrestone, located between Dover and Canterbury, which has not had a traditional pub since 2010 when the "Yew Tree" closed.

Then last year the "Wrong Turn" micropub shut its doors after eight years of welcoming punters.

The bid to turn the barn into a pub is reminiscent of attempts made by Jeremy Clarkson to open a restaurant in an abandoned lambing barn on his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.

The former Top Gear host's battles with his local council over the venue are documented in the latest series of Clarkson's Farm on Amazon Prime.

In contrast, the applicants in Barfrestone did not face a single objection and have been given the go-ahead by Dover District Council (DDC).

Yet despite the backing of villagers and DDC, Eythorne Parish Council chairman Malcolm Ledger, whose family owns the farm, told KentOnline the proposals are now "in flux". He declined to expand any further.

Planning documents say the new drinking establishment would provide both social and economic benefits for Barfrestone.

The applicant, Chelsea Ledger, says it would be a low-key environment where "local real ales and ciders will be promoted and sold alongside other traditional alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and hot drinks including locally produced coffee, which will benefit the local economy".

"The drinking establishment is aimed at the more mature members of the community," the proposals continue.

"Whilst alcohol will be sold and consumed on the premises it is hoped the venue will provide social benefits as a community hub where local occupants can meet, socialise and participate in community activities such as quizzes, bingo and games such as darts and dominoes."

The application was supported by several residents with four public comments received in favour and none against.

Included in the public documents on the DDC websites, Amanda Wetz said: "With the recent loss of the "Wrong Turn" micropub, Barfrestone has lost a focal area where villagers from Barfrestone and surrounding villages can get together.

"To have such an asset in the centre of the village would be a great addition to the area and be an improvement to the local amenity."

Chris Wetz also was in support and noted there had been nine pub closures in the past "five-plus years".

He added the new establishment at Barfrestone Court Farm would "fill that gap" and said he was looking forward to "the return of a valuable community asset".

The space has already been approved to use for wedding venues and events following an application that was submitted in April 2022.

A sign posted at the property advertising the venue states: "Exciting new wedding reception and events venue now taking bookings."

Therefore, no internal changes to the barn are being made as the building already contains a bar and seating area that are used in connection with the events.

When a wedding or an event is booked at the site, the premises will only be welcoming guests from that party.

Once work is complete, the pub will be open from Wednesdays through to Sundays.

Responding to the change of use application, planning officer Jenny Suttle concluded the venue would "provide a community facility with associated benefits for the local community" and amounted to "sustainable development" in accordance with the council's Local Plan.

Ms Ledger, who is also an Eythorne parish councillor, anticipates in the proposal that traffic and travel should not be an issue for the site.

The documents read: "The idea is to provide a low-key use for local members of the community who are within a walking distance from the site."

Low level music will be played at the establishment and will be filtered through a noise limiting device.

While the opening of the new venue may be in doubt, beer lovers are already keen to visit.

The Dover district branch of Camra recently shared news of the plans being approved and said it was "great news for Barfrestone".