1 reply to this topic

[clarissa]

I originally had a business plan drawn up to support my intentions but this was refused as I did not meet SMD criteria which in turn meant I did not meet the functionality test or anything else for that matter! Another reason was the lack of mains services which I have previously raised on this forum.

An enforcement notice was served and I lost my nerve to go to appeal following the LA's appraisal with the business plan at this time.

I contacted a local planning consultant who had won several recent cases in my area so I decided to dismiss the original plan and submitted a new application with the support of the new consultant. It made sense to appease the local authority and the new agent has lots of dealings with the LA.

Problem is that now I have far too many animals on the plan, more than my smallholding can sustain and generating more nitrate levels and pollution than a powerstation. The application has been refused because of this and lack of mains services (again)

I wish I had not gone down route of trying to satisfy SMD criteria, (hindsight is great)
I also do not agree with having to connect to mains and am going with the solar option as I'm a million miles from any existing supply and rough estimates are around £40k. If anyone can recommend a solar company I would be most grateful.

I have to go to appeal as the planning officer has already informed me that it (amendments) won't really make any difference as the reply will be just a cut and paste of their previous answer. They could not see any point in letting it go over the 8 week period in which to make a decision as they can't see it would make any difference.

Is it possible to amend the plan for the appeal or do I have to stick to the business plan as the current numbers are far more than I feel comfortabe with and against the high welfare standards and freerange status I wish to retain?
I have now in effect had 2 planning applications and a 3rd may not be viewed very favourably. (not forgetting the enforcement date Feb 2013)

[Cornish Gems]

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