A new luxury events venue is set to be built in a former farm complex on the outskirts of Leicester, leading to around 25 jobs.
Mehul Somani, managing director of building products supplier Oadby Building Plastics, has gained planning to redevelop Scraptoft Lodge Farm on the eastern edge of the city into a 350-capacity venue. It should be ready to host weddings and parties next year.
The scheme has been designed by Leicester-based Design Studio Architects (DSA) and will see the original farmhouse converted along with a rebuilt outbuilding and a new extension to create an events space, restaurant and bar. There will be 109 parking spaces and eight electric charge points.
The planning application was supported by Leicester planning experts Marrons Planning, who said the venue will remain respectful to the rural locality and countryside.
Mr Somani said: “We are looking forward to creating a beautiful, modern and functional site, which will remain true to the site surroundings and offer a memorable experience to guests on their wedding day.
“It is hoped the venue will host up to 67 events – mostly weddings and civil ceremonies, and, occasionally, birthday parties and anniversaries – throughout each year.”
Sachin Parmar, associate director at Marrons Planning, said: “This is a great example of diversifying the rural economy, and will bring new life to a derelict and dilapidated farm complex.
“Landscape-led, the application for transformation will give priority to greenery around the building including the creation of wildflower meadows and orchards.
“Over the years, the site has unfortunately suffered from acts of fly-tipping and criminal activity, and the buildings have fallen into a state of disrepair.
“Together, Mehul and DSA have done a fantastic job at creating a scheme that will repair the historic farmhouse and its architectural features, which will be complemented by new-build elements to create a high-quality facility – creating a memorable experience for people to enjoy the surrounding countryside and rural backdrop.
“This was a fairly complex planning application due to the historic nature of the site. We’re so pleased to help unlock a new leisure use in the countryside, which will save a historic farm complex and support the rural economy.”
Keshiv Sudera, managing director at DSA, said: “This rural site – which has remained vacant and derelict for many years – will benefit from the new lease of life it will receive from the approval of an existing new scheme in the Leicestershire countryside.
“The development has been sensitively-approached, utilising the original structures and forms while adding additional spaces to enhance the scheme further – creating a real sense of place. The dilapidated structure will go through a significant transformation to create an amazing venue for Leicestershire and the East Midlands.”
