A MINK farm company has been ordered to pay the costs of a planning appeal which it lost.
Terry Smith, who runs Crow Hill Mink Farm, near Ringwood, had asked New Forest District Council for permission to build a house as well as the buildings necessary for a rabbit farm which is intended to replace the mink operation when it closes shortly.
When the council turned down the scheme, Mr Smith appealed to the Department of the Environ-ment, Transport and the Regions for planning permission.
But, once the inquiry had begun, it was revealed that the plans for a house had been dropped and New Forest District Council slapped in a demand for its full legal costs.
Planning inspector Phil Grainger, who conducted the inquiry, gave the go-ahead for the buildings for the planned rabbit farm - provided a properly-approved drainage system is installed in advance.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article