Honey farm set for new training centre role

Betton Farm, by the busy A170 at East Ayton, near Scarborough, has been an award-winning farm visitor centre, with a range of uses. Over the years it has operated a play area, farm shop, and petting zoo as well as telling the story of the honey bee.

Now planning consent is being sought to create a training centre for Basics Plus, a Scarborough based not for profit company providing work based training and sheltered employment for people with learning and mental health problems.

A range of uses and activities will come under the umbrella of the training centre, some existing and some new, and include visitor attractions, as the business will still aim to attract the public.

Fields to the north-east of building complex will be used for agriculture and temporary events. A former quarry which has become a Site of Special Scientific Interest could become the hub of an educational trail.

Former bird of prey pens will be converted to workshops and storage. The existing house would provide accommodation for centre staff.

Most of the existing facilities, including the caf, farm shop, play area, car park and the displays explaining honey production would be retained and upgraded.

"It is anticipated that the whole development will take in the region of five years to complete," said Scarborough Council Planning Manager Jill Low.

"But the site has become somewhat rundown in recent years and developed a series of ad hoc uses loosely related to the original farm visitor centre concept.

"The proposal to use this site as a training centre with related visitor facilities is considered to be an ideal use that could lead to the up-grading and reinvigoration of the site."

At a planning meeting on Thursday, councillors will be recommended to give the go ahead for the change of use and conversion by Basics Plus.