The changing face of farmland is set to bring more jobs to the Maldon area.
Two redundant agricultural buildings at a farm to the south of Maldon are being converted for commercial use and a local building contractor is expected to take up residency by December.
South House Farm, in South House Chase, Mundon Road, is managed by Benedict Lane, whose family have worked the land for three generations.
It was donated to the National Trust by Mr Lane's grandfather 26 years ago but continues to be let by the family.
The National Trust is currently creating a plan to secure a viable future for the site and part of that plan involves re-use of redundant farm buildings to boost income.
The first two barns to be converted will become home to the company which will carry out the change, builders FJ Capon, currently based in Church Street, Maldon.
The company has been in Maldon for 46 years and with about 50 permanent staff it has outgrown its current home.
Managing director Richard Webster said: "There is a bit of planned expansion for us and we have the chance to create purpose-built offices.
"We want to stay in the Maldon area and employ locally."
Farmer Mr Lane says he sees the project as an important step forward in developing the farm's potential.
He said: "My family have farmed South House Farm for three generations and it was my grandfather who donated both the farm and Northey Island to the National Trust back in 1978."
Published Wednesday August 18, 2004
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