Northey Farm

Project overview 

Full planning permission (PLN/2024/2056) has been granted for converting the farmyard and agricultural buildings at Northey Farm into commercial storage, a workshop, and office space. The plan also includes demolishing existing structures and constructing a new office building. 

The site is set to become Carmac Ltd’s main office and training centre based just north of Milton Keynes, attracting a large amount of investment and job opportunities in the area.  

Project detail 

The site has steadily evolved through a series of planning applications managed by Pegasus, aimed at securing its long-term future as the operational headquarters for Carmac Ltd, transforming the former farm.  

Early proposals focused on residential conversion, with approval gained in 2022. Alongside this, options for commercial use were tested, while permission in 2023 delivered improved site access and infrastructure. More recently, prior approval confirmed the principle of flexible commercial use on part of the site.  

The challenge and solution 

In 2024, an application was refused on ecology grounds, providing useful guidance that has directly informed the revised scheme. Further challenges arose following completion of the Section 106 agreement of the revised application, where debate centred on the scale of development in this location due to policy interpretations. These issues were resolved with further planning assessment and advice provided by Pegasus and political engagement to justify the need for this type of development in this location. 

The new planning permission provides an excellent opportunity for Carmac Ltd that is seeking to expand in a well-connected rural setting. It will support local employment, create new trade opportunities, and deliver a long-term boost to the local economy while ensuring the site’s development aligns with both policy and environmental considerations. 

Testimonials 

Harry Clayton, Planner at Pegasus Group said, “We are very pleased to have supported Carmac Ltd in securing full planning permission and ensuring the delivery of their new operational headquarters, and commercial yard at Northey Farm following a long-term planning strategy.  

This exciting project will provide modern office space facilities, provide additional employment and investment in the Milton Keynes area.”

Other contributors 

Diverse multi-disciplinary team working on behalf of Carmac (Groundworks & Civils) Ltd including Blade Landscape and Ecology, HSSP Architects and The Community Communications Partnership.

Image credit: HSSP Architects