Community attraction could have to close

A POPULAR community farm may be forced to close because the council decided to reject its planning application two years after it was submitted.

The Garden House is a visitor attraction, on Lakes Road, Marple, with animals, a cafe, playground, countryside trials, assault course and orchard.

Owner Kevin Swindells, 61, had even intended to open an education centre there next month but has now been sent a council order to close by July 12, subject to appeal.

He had opened in April last year, almost 12 months after submitting his application, and the Garden House has since become a much visited attraction.

This followed advice from planning experts that because an application had already been lodged he could proceed on a temporary basis with activities like the ones outlined in it.

Kevin, who intends to appeal, said: “I would be devastated to close. My first reaction was anger but you have to stay calm.

“This place makes a real difference in every way. Schools come down here, we have activities, there is something for everyone.

“We don’t charge just ask for donations and it gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction.

“What gets me the most is the letter said the application was refused because it didn’t meet the area’s ‘economic, social and environmental needs’. But we have created jobs, work with charities and children and have improved the look of the area.”

Kevin believes complaints from nearby organisations following a busy late May Bank Holiday weekend at the Garden House prompted the council to finally rule on the application.

Cars were parked on the narrow road to the attraction, causing annoyance to others nearby.

But Kevin says this problem has been dealt with and if the 80-space car park is full, visitors have to park further away and walk in, otherwise they will not be admitted.

He said: “The council has had the planning application for years and I’ve supplied all the information asked for such as wildlife and flood risk assessments, costing thousands of pounds.

“I’ve invested a lot of money in the garden House and don’t take out any wage.”

The council have been asked for a comment.