Mountfield farm’s plans get go-ahead

Baldwins Farm in Mountfield Lane applied to Rother District Council for the retention of a first-floor office with viewing gallery, ground-floor kitchen and shower room, and alterations to the building.

The retrospective application came under discussion last Thursday (June 18) at the council’s planning committee meeting. Officers from the authority recommended permission be given.

Their report states: “The office as well as providing the farm office, along with the viewing area is required in connection with the showing and selling of horses, namely Hanovarian horses, which are at the top end of the market and considered to be one of the best for competition show jumping, dressage and eventing.”

The building was constructed under a 2008 application as a new machinery store and farm office. Last year the council issued an enforcement notice due to unauthorised residential use of the building.

Ahead of last Thursday’s meeting, councillors from Mountfield Parish Council voiced their unanimous objection to Baldwins Farm’s proposals. One objection raised included concerns that the business would be unsustainable and unviable. Parish councillors also queried what was to happen to an old listed farmhouse, which they said was gently declining.

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