The development

Farm manager Dave Wilde has already begun the process of developing an ethical farm at New Warlands by planting wildflower hay meadows, hedgerows, and shelter belts, and bringing in sheep and Large Black Pigs. The existing orchard will be extended to supply the apple press, two ponds will be created, accessible nature walks will encircle the site, and more animals will be introduced including goats and petting animals.

Adjoining the Apple Press is a flexible exhibition space with a curved, glass wall, which will provide further opportunities for local producers, artisanal makers, artists, performers and others in the creative industries to exhibit their works and contribute to the local economy.

The new apple press building will be the focal point of the new development, at the northern end of the courtyard. The farm will produce its own juice and cider in the plant, which will house apple processing equipment, storage tanks and bottling areas. It includes glazed walls so visitors can the process as it happens.

In the style of a traditional farmyard, all the new buildings will be grouped around an enclosed inner courtyard. The secure, private space may include outdoor seating, artwork, and exhibition space. All entrances to the buildings will be accessible from the courtyard and are all on one level.

On the west side of the courtyard will be a flexible-use workshop, which can be used as a training or educational space, a repair shop, a play barn or soft-play area.

On the east side of the courtyard will be a café and bar, serving food and drink produced by the farm. There will be seating for 60 people indoors, with 30 seats outdoors in the courtyard. There will also be accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet.

Visitors will access the site through a large barn, which will house a farmers’ market where local producers will sell seasonal wares. There will also be a first aid room and toilets, including a Changing Places toilet which includes a changing bench and hoist to support disabled people who need assistance. The barn will lead into the courtyard.

A new visitor car park will be built on the south of the site, with accessible pedestrian routes and landscaped areas for respite. The junction from Holmside Lane will be upgraded and the access road through the site will be enlarged. There’ll be a separate service/delivery bay behind the Apple Press building.

A new visitor car park will be built on the south of the site, with accessible pedestrian routes and landscaped areas for respite. The junction from Holmside Lane will be upgraded and the access road through the site will be enlarged. There’ll be a separate service/delivery bay behind the Apple Press building.