An invitation to submit expressions of interest
Branstone Farm is a former study centre in a rural location near Sandown, Isle of Wight.
The property is made up of a former educational dairy farm comprising a variety of agricultural and educational buildings, established in 1973, that sits in approximately 22.4 acres (9.1 hectares) of agricultural land off the A3056 Newport Road between Arreton and Apse Heath.
Opportunity
The Council is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for all or parts of the Branstone Farm site for a variety of uses.
The site has interesting potential around the agricultural retail or agritourism sectors. The area along the A3056 from Arreton to Apse Heath is peppered with agricultural greenhouses, horticultural nurseries, plus agritourism and agricultural retail outlets.
Agritourism and agricultural retail are a growing part of rural communities; and on the Isle of Wight the well-established traditional tourist industry has been actively diversifying into new visitor experiences, especially in rural areas. This diversification is a recognised area of economic growth for the Island.
The current planning use for Branstone Farm includes education and agriculture, but other uses may be acceptable, subject to an appropriate planning approval being gained. Further information about planning is available.
What is agritourism and agricultural retail?
Agritourism is where agriculture and tourism meet. This is about any activity which turns the land into a destination and opens the farm gates to the public to teach more about what happens there, and show the links between the business and the land itself. This can provide visitors with an enriching and enjoyable educational experience, as well as lead to further opportunities for business activity.
Agricultural retail is any retail associated with products from the land and could include farm shops, local craft markets or other types of retail related to local production.
Tenure
The Council’s objective is to generate a long-term revenue stream from the site. Expressions of interest for any relevant proposal will be considered, but the council will favour proposals which provide ongoing income to the Council and do not rely on a freehold transfer of some or all of the land.
Expressions of Interest
EOI are to be submitted by 17.00 on Thursday 31 Jan 2019 to Barry Cooke, Property Team, Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD, in writing or by email.
For your EOI to be considered, you must include:
- A proposal for future use and, if relevant, how this meets the agritourism and agricultural retail definition
- A high-level business plan supporting the proposal
- How the proposal meets with Island planning strategy
- How the proposed use will improve and sustain the rural economy of the Island
- Proof of access to funding to deliver your proposal
- Tenure and proposed lease terms
- Timescales for delivery
Contact
If you would like more detailed information about the site, including a plan and planning information, you can register your interest at property.marketing@iow.gov.uk.
If you want to discuss your proposal, view the site, or have any other questions, please get in touch with the Property Team at County Hall:
Barry Cooke 01983 821000 x6130 barry.cooke@iow.gov.uk
Andy Bond 01983 821000 x6235 andrew.bond@iow.gov.uk
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