Plans for new café, pop-up farmer's market stalls and holiday accommodation in Chichester

The applicant said the proposal would create a high-quality attraction and would encourage an extended tourist season. Photo: WHALEBACK LTD

A change of use application (20/00175/FUL) at the The Barn in Little London, would see the two-storey empty retail unit in the open courtyard converted to 'contribute to the district’s tourism offer'.

The plans, submitted by The Rare Brand Market Ltd, read: "The proposed development is for a change of use of the property from retail to a mixed-use café with pop-up farmers market-style retail stalls at ground floor level with a self-contained holiday let above.

"It is also proposed that the courtyard to the front of the building is used as an external seating area during the summer months. Internally, the ground floor layout would comprise an open plan seating area with a kitchen to the rear.

"The application is submitted in conjunction with a proposal at 38 Little London to the northwest of the courtyard. The combined proposals aim to provide a health and wellness experience for the local community and wider public."

According to the applicant, the café aims to serve 'local, healthy and sustainable' food in connection with a retail unit at 38 Little London, which will also provide pop-up yoga and 'other health therapy sessions'.

The planning documents added: "Development should support and strengthen the vitality and viability of the city centre and its role as a shopping/visitor destination and a place to live.

"The existing retail use would be retained through pop up farmers’ market-style retail events. The overall scheme would contribute greatly to the city’s existing entertainment and leisure offer, especially the evening economy, by providing healthy and locally-sourced food and drink."

The proposed scheme will 'provide a wellness experience that is unique to the city', the applicant said. "Visitors will be able to stay in the holiday let above the cafe, which would have a positive effect on local trade and other tourist-related activities in the area.

"The proposal would create a high-quality attraction and would encourage an extended tourist season as the café would be open year-round."