Villagers furious as Lodsworth barn ‘party venue’ plan goes to appeal

A businessman behind plans to convert disused Leconfield Estate barns in Lodsworth into a food and ‘high-quality’ wedding events business has appealed the South Downs National Park Authority’s decision to refuse his application.

Nick Hempleman's original application drew more than 110 objections from villagers in Lodsworth, Lurgashall, River and Tillington, who were concerned about potential noise, pollution and traffic management on single country lanes.

After Mr Hempleman attended a parish meeting, villagers said they were particularly concerned about his plans to hold 50 events at the Lords Wood barns during the year, with no fixed end time. Notes from the council meeting indicated that a high volume of traffic could pass regularly through the villages in the early hours of the morning.

In rejecting the proposal, the SDNPA planning committee said the plans submitted did not reassure them that the work to the Lords Wood barns and sheds, “for which there is no public benefit, would both preserve and enhance remaining historic fabric or the spatial appreciation of the historic form.”

However, Mr Hempleman is now seeking to overturn that decision through a written‑representations appeal to the Secretary of State’s inspectorate. No public inquiry will be held, but residents can submit representations online.

Opponents have contacted the Midhurst and Petworth Observer to say they fear the appeal could overturn what they view as a robust and justified refusal.

Andrew Peterson said: “The residents of Lodsworth, Lurgashall and Tillington are dismayed and outraged that the Chichester District Council’s decision on behalf of the South Downs National Park could be overturned simply to allow the greed and profiteering of a wholly inappropriate party venue at the expense of a uniquely tranquil and rural part of the South Downs National Park.

"Access to the Lords Wood Barns site is reached by a long, one-and-a-half-mile narrow single-lane track passing through beautiful unspoilt countryside and ancient woodland, with the well-known and well-used Serpent’s Trail Public footpath sharing the route. The issue is not just highway safety: event-related arrivals and departures, headlights, noise and activity could affect the quiet enjoyment of the area to the detriment of the local wildlife and livestock.”

Mr Peterson pointed to objections from parish councils. Hampshire County Council, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Tom Richardson, West Sussex county councillor and former traffic‑division police officer, who raised concerns over inaccuracies in the applicant’s traffic assessment, which only measured vehicle movements within 500 metres, less than the full length of the access track.

Mr Hempleman, who is the owner and founder of The Sussex Produce Company, was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the community during the pandemic.

The Lords Wood barns have been vacant for several years after being converted for office use.

Alongside the proposal to turn the buildings into a wedding venue, The Sussex Produce Company would like to cater for events including cookery training courses and demonstrations, food fairs and supper evenings.

All comments and representations relating to the appeal must be received by the Planning Inspectorate by November 11, 2026.