East Raynham estate unveils plans for brewery and distillery

Plans have been submitted to North Norfolk District Council to convert former agricultural barns on the Raynham Estate in East Raynham, near Fakenham. 

A planning statement submitted with the application said the barns are expected to house Black Shuck Distillery and Moon Gazer brewery, two of the county’s best-known independent businesses. 

Raynham Estate has been owned by the Townshend family since 1543 and features 800 acres of land, a grand hall and farm buildings. 

The application, submitted by the trustees of the estate, said the plan would help with “future-proofing the longevity of the historic barns" and benefit Raynham Estate and the wider community.

East Raynham's Hall Farm (Image: Google)

The distillery and brewery would be housed in separate barns, with a courtyard area between the two. 

Included in the distillery scheme are a shop and tasting room, while Moon Gazer could have a “brewery tap” which could serve beer to customers. 

The barns sit next to a farmhouse, which dates back to the early 19th century and acts as the Raynham Estate’s management office. 

Currently, the barns are unused. 

The planning statement said: “The proposed design puts forth minimal changes to the exteriors of the existing barns, with only respectful improvements to support the continued use of these historic structures.  

“The materials and forms complement the historical and local rural context while introducing incremental updates.  

“The scheme aims to balance preservation with longevity, future-proofing the barns through sensitive interventions. 

“The changes proposed give the historic buildings renewed purpose without compromising their character.” 

Plans for a third barn are expected to come forward in the future.  

The application will be decided by North Norfolk District Council in due course.