Sunnyfields expansion?

8:25am Thursday 3rd January 2008

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HAMPSHIRE organic farm Sunnyfields has unveiled dramatic expansion plans, featuring an on-site butcher, baker as well as cafes, restaurants and educational facilities.

Buoyed by the success of weekly farmers' markets on its Marchwood site, Sunnyfields bosses are planning to dramatically scale up their ambition with the addition of a purpose-built market square.

Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, pictured, has backed the proposals, still at an early stage and are yet to be submitted to planners. Other heavyweight support has come from the founder of Cornwall's Eden Project, Rose Gray from the River Café and Jamie Oliver.

Preliminary talks have also been held with Olympic gold medallist ice skater Robin Cousins about installing a temporary ice rink at the site for Christmas 2008.

And next week, an application to build 850 car parking spaces to cope with the anticipated crowds, is to be submitted to councillors.

Sunnyfields owner Ian Nelson said: "The grand vision is to try and promote local food and farming. We're trying to answer the cry from the Government to reduce carbon footprint. We're reducing food packaging and food miles and we're helping the community.

As well as the new shops, Mr Nelson plans to build demonstration and teaching kitchens, training and function room facilities and a dairy processing unit. River Cottage star, food writer and broadcaster Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall wrote to Mr Nelson to offer his support.

Community involvement He said: "Fantastic to hear about the latest plans at Sunnyfields - it sounds like your plans will not only strengthen and boost local food culture, but also increase community involvement in sustainable farming. You can count on my support."

Before any expansion plans can take off, Mr Nelson faces a battle with New Forest District Council over the existing markets, which have yet to receive planning permission. Planners look set to frown on the markets because of the countryside location, despite more than 1,000 expressions of support.