Mowing plan in bid to keep 25ft shed

A COUNCILLOR and her husband, fighting to keep a 25ft shed they were told to pull down, now intend to mow a meadow for hay and keep chickens, a planning committee in Beverley was told.

Conservative councillor Kerri Harold, who represents Minster and Woodmansey, and her husband Roy, now say they want the shed they put up on a gravel hardstanding in a paddock on Ferry Lane, Woodmansey, for agricultural purposes.

East Riding Council issued an enforcement notice last July, ordering them to stop using it for functions and events and to remove the shed, and everything from barbecue equipment to planters.

They lost an appeal against the enforcement, but just before a deadline to remove everything in June, put in for planning permission, saying it was needed for agricultural purposes.

The couple insist they only used the land for a couple of parties over a year ago.

Coun Elaine Aird, speaking on their behalf, said the 2.5-acre site was previously used for horticulture, adding: “They plan to use it as a meadow, make hay and keep chickens.”

She said the field was “unkempt” because it hadn’t had its first cut. But neighbours, who are objecting, claim the agricultural use is a “complete red herring” and the decision by the Planning Inspectorate should be upheld.

The application had been recommended for refusal by officers who said there was “currently no bona fide agricultural activity” and allowing it to stay “could facilitate further breaches of planning control.” However, a decision was adjourned for a site visit after nine Tory councillors outvoted an independent and a Ukip councillor.