Former Leicestershire farm to be transformed into luxury wedding venue

Planning approval to transform Scraptoft Lodge Farm into a luxury event space has been granted – creating around 25 local jobs at the point of completion.

Supported by planning experts Marrons Planning, local entrepreneur Mehul Somani will undertake a full renovation of the derelict farm complex – converting the farmhouse, rebuilding the outbuilding and adding a full extension to facilitate an events space, restaurant and bar, alongside 109 car parking spaces, eight of which will include electric vehicle charge points.

The 350-capacity venue, in Keyham Lane, Scraptoft, will remain respectful to the rural locality and countryside, while introducing modern elements and restoration. The inside and outside design has been completed by Leicester-based architecture firm DSA.

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 the 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.

Mehul Somani, managing director at OBP Group, 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.”

Keshiv Sudera, managing director at DSA, added: “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.”

The venue is due for completion in 2023.