Cllr Myles Hogg has issued the following statement regarding the Willaston Community Farm:
“I recently met with Mr Paul Jackson and other supporters of the Willaston Community Farm regarding the planned closure of the facility.
“From my discussions with Mr Jackson and wider inquiries into the matter, it is clear that the key issues concern planning. The planning laws that exist, and which Cheshire West & Chester Council enforce, apply equally to all residents. Whilst this may be a frustration to some residents from time to time, it is essential to ensuring that we have a fair and equitable planning system.
“I support the Community Farm’s activities very much and would like to see it continue to offer its services for Willaston and the wider community. What’s more, as I discussed with Mr Jackson, I am keen to understand what I can practically and reasonably do to help.
“I will continue to take a keen interest in the future of the Community Farm and I would encourage Mr Jackson to continue his discussions and engagement with the Council in order to find a satisfactory solution.”
For wider context, Cheshire West & Chester Council recently made the following statement to the Wirral Globe:
"The Community Farm is a well-used and much-loved community space for local people. We appreciate that most people apply for planning permission before carrying out controlled development, but unfortunately that has not happened in this case.
“It is not clear that the various activities and building works that have been carried out alongside the community farm use are in line with relevant requirements, and so it is important that the community has an opportunity to comment.
“Where it looks as though planning permission might be granted we encourage the submission of a retrospective planning application so that people can continue to enjoy using the space. Where the council does not think planning permission should be granted it may issue a planning enforcement notice, as in this case regarding ceasing the residential use of the static caravan.”
