A new wedding and events facility could be heading to New Farm in Brading, as part of the continued diversification of the rural farm.
Robert Oglander has applied to the Isle of Wight Council for planning and listed building consent to convert 2 disused buildings located at New Farm, off West Lane – 1 to be used for the popular Braai restaurant and the other as an events hall.
Plans also include a proposal for the creation of a dedicated car park and the utilisation of 2 smaller outbuildings to form an office and toilet block.
Last July, New Farm started to host Braai – a culinary and entertainment experience inspired by South African outdoor barbecue culture. The pop-up restaurant is a collective of Nunwell Home Farm, Wight Knuckle Brewery, Wight Whisky and Heron, led by chef Alex Kimber.
Its success means that full permission is now being sought to continue using the barn for the restaurant in 2025 and beyond. Last year the venture employed 3 chefs and 25-35 employees.
Building on 2024’s success, it is also proposed that an events hall is created – with a primary function of hosting weddings. It’s said this will provide a further income stream and will support the local economy with 4 full-time staff, 9 temporary staff and ancillary staff all involved.
Depending on the type and scale of the event, further employment in terms of chefs, waiting/bar/catering staff etc. will further support the Isle of Wight economy.
A Planning, Design and Access Statement prepared by Mr Oglander’s agent, BCM Wilson Hill, says:
“The buildings are no longer required for modern farming purposes — they are neither suitable for modern farming and equipment nor for the change towards regenerative farming that has recently taken place at the farm.
“The proposal will provide an important farm diversification, retaining a commercial use adding to the local and Island economy both in employment and use of local produce.
“Other than the farmhouse, which is part of the overall farm, there are no other residential properties nearby and therefore the proposed use will not result in any adverse impacts on any neighbouring properties.
“Within the New Farm ownership boundary are three Grade II Listed buildings, a farmhouse, granary and threshing barn.
“The proposed development will preserve the historic fabric of the buildings, optimising their use to be the most viable long-term solution and delivering public benefit.”
The council’s public consultation on the proposals ends on 11th April and a decision is expected on 2nd May.
