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Claire Ives to Appeal Planning Refusal for Flowerdew Farm

Claire Ives to Appeal Planning Refusal for Flowerdew Farm
Flowerdew Farm
  • Claire Ives, owner of Flowerdew Farm in West Dorset, will appeal Dorset Council’s decision to refuse planning consent. The council’s refusal to allow the use of buildings and a temporary workers’ home, citing a lack of agricultural justification and incompatibility with the area’s natural beauty, has been contested by Ives.
  • Ives argues that living on-site is crucial for the welfare of her animals and vulnerable guests, and highlights the substantial support for her business, including over 150 letters, local business endorsements, an award, and media coverage. She contends these factors were overlooked by the council.
  • The council and Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council question the viability of the alpaca enterprise on a small site and the need for additional buildings. They also raised safety concerns about the farm’s entrance, despite Ives’ plans to improve it. The appeal will address the balance between local planning policies and the needs of modern, diversified agricultural businesses.

Claire Ives to Appeal Planning Refusal for Flowerdew Farm

In a recent development, Claire Ives, owner of Flowerdew Farm in Puncknowle, West Dorset, has announced her intention to appeal the Dorset Council’s decision to refuse planning consent for her business.

Ives claims the council has failed to consider the necessity of living on-site to ensure the welfare of her animals and guests, many of whom are vulnerable.

Flowerdew Farm is known for its alpaca, camping, and natural therapy offerings. The farm operates sustainably, being mostly off-grid and eco-friendly.

Despite these attributes, the council has determined that the use of buildings for the business and a temporary workers’ home should not be allowed.

They argue these structures are not in keeping with the area’s natural beauty and local planning policies, citing inadequate agricultural justification for on-site living.

Ives contests the council’s decision, emphasizing the need for on-site presence for the well-being of her animals and guests.

She insists that the council has overlooked the significant support for her business, which includes over 150 letters of endorsement, local business support, an award, and press articles.

All of these documents are available on the planning portal but were reportedly ignored in the council’s decision.

The level of support for the business is also under-estimated: ‘This is an error on the planning report, there are over 150+ letters of support mostly local and reviews, local business and an award and press articles. All available on the planning portal. This is why I am appealing, as these have been ignored,’” said Ives.

Claire Ives to Appeal Planning Refusal for Flowerdew Farm
Flowerdew Farm

Dorset Council maintains that the current use of buildings and the temporary workers’ home are out of character with the local area and lack sufficient agricultural justification.

The council’s decision, according to South West Farmers, is supported by the Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council, which expressed doubts about the viability of the alpaca enterprise on such a small site.

The parish council stated:

The Parish Council is not confident that the alpaca enterprise is valid on such a small site.

Whilst the PC does not doubt the applicant’s energy, commitment and investment to date, the evidence before the PC does not serve to demonstrate the need for an essential rural worker’s dwelling.

The need for the (new) barn is also not proven as there are buildings on site that could be used.”

The parish council also raised safety concerns about the farm’s entrance, although Ives has plans to improve visibility by cutting back a hedge, a point she claims was ignored in the council’s response.

Ives argues that her business is a cohesive entity combining alpaca rearing, well-being services, craft activities, and camping, contrary to the council’s perspective of these as separate ventures.

She highlights the broader impact of her business on farm diversification, sustainability, mental well-being, and inclusivity:

“The business supports and champions farm diversification, sustainability and building back better, mental wellbeing, I currently partner with DHC START NHS Dorset Mental health team, access for all, EDI, female empowerment and LGBTQI as well as extremely high animal welfare to teach and promote farm diversification. This is why I am appealing.”

As Ives prepares to appeal the council’s decision, the outcome will have significant implications for Flowerdew Farm and its ability to continue operating as a hub for sustainability and well-being in West Dorset.

The appeal will also test the balance between local planning policies and the evolving needs of modern, diversified agricultural businesses.

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