Barn Store Minsterley.

Tucked away in the scenic Shropshire countryside, Leigh Hall Farm, part of the historic Leigh Hall Estate stewarded by the Stacey family has embarked on a forward-thinking diversification journey. As well as the conversion of a range of traditional farm buildings to residential use the estate has also successfully launched Barn Store Minsterley, a secure, accessible self-storage facility, within a complex of former dairy buildings, that introduces modern convenience into a timeless rural setting.

This project is a standout example of how traditional estates can sensitively repurpose farm buildings in a heritage setting while creating new, sustainable income streams. With expert guidance from Berrys, the project successfully navigated the complexities of rural planning, listed building considerations and commercial viability. Delivering a modern solution that supports both estate goals and community needs.

How We Approached The Project

Berrys provided a comprehensive consultancy service, encompassing:

• Planning Consultancy: Managing the planning process, including applications for change of use and working closely with the local authority to ensure all proposals aligned with heritage constraints and planning policy.
• Architectural Design: Completing all relevant works across RIBA Stages 0 – 3, starting with a full 3D laser survey of the barns and surrounding areas. Existing plans were created and then progressed to a working functional layout for the conversion of the brick built agricultural barn to five dwellings and the conversion of a number of sheds to a modern, high spec storage facility.
  
• Highways Consultancy: Provided a Transport Statement and an access design for the site.
• Business Consultancy: Advising on the residential and commercial viability and operational strategy of the proposed self-storage business, ensuring the development would generate sustainable income while meeting market demand
• Valuation Advice: Offering detailed property valuation and financial assessment to support decision-making. Our approach was guided by the estate’s ambition to diversify its operations while retaining its historic and rural character and aligned planning objectives with long-term estate strategy.

How We Achieved The Project

Through careful planning and execution, the project successfully received pivotal planning approval to:

• Convert a range of curtilage-listed traditional agricultural buildings to residential use.
• Approve change of use for former dairy buildings into a fully equipped self-storage facility.

This enabled the development of Barn Store Minsterley, a modern storage solution offering:

• 24/7 access year-round in a peaceful, countryside setting.
• A range of unit sizes (35 sq ft to 150 sq ft) to suit personal, seasonal or business storage needs.
• Nokē™ Smart Entry technology, allowing keyless, smartphone-based access to site, barn and individual units.
• Enhanced security, supported by a cloud-based system and CCTV.
• Customer-centric features like on-site parking, flexible contracts and no long-term tie-ins.

The development reflects the estate’s forward-thinking mindset, using underutilised heritage and former agricultural assets to deliver rural housing and a community-focused, commercially viable business solution, while preserving the rural charm that defines the Leigh Hall Estate.

Mark Morison, Partner and Chartered Surveyor at Berrys commented:

“Acting on behalf of the estate owner, Berrys have provided strategic planning and management support, helping the estate navigate the intricacies of rural development to deliver a valued, diversified income stream. The project exemplifies the landowner’s commitment to marrying heritage with forward-looking functionality.”

Barn Store Minsterley stands as a testament to what’s possible when expert planning, historic sensitivity and modern needs intersect. With Berrys’ guidance, Leigh Hall Estate has achieved a sustainable development that benefits both estate and community.