£250,000 revamp turns Flansham barn into social venue

The Barn is in the final stages of a 250,000 scheme to become one of the oldest social venues in the area. It dates from the 16th century.

Paul Hickey, 42, and his brother, John Hickey, 37, have applied for a premises licence from Arun District Council to use The Barn between 9am and 2am for a range of activities.

They include dancing, supplying alcohol and live and recorded music for up to 60 people.

Public comments about the proposals must be made by Thursday, March 25.

Paul Hickey said they hoped to open the facility soon after they received the licence, if their application succeeded.

They also plan to be licensed to enable weddings and civil partnerships to take place in the Hoe Lane building.

He said: "We are just finishing the work on The Barn now.

"It is a quiet, rural location which will be a lovely setting for a function.

"We have spoken to the residents' committee in Hoe Lane and everybody knows what we are doing. The reaction has been good and the committee has held meetings in here as well."

Mr Hickey's father bought The Barn when he bought the neighbouring Old Barn House.

The family of builders started work transforming the derelict barn into an upmarket location in October 2004.

Their long haul has seen the old dairy become the reception area.

Marriages will take place in what was the cattle shed.

"It will be lovely for people to get married in a building like this," Paul Hickey said.

"I had my wedding reception in here before it was finished and it was fantastic."

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