Couple Appeals Planning Decision to Save Rare Goats’ Shelter

A couple in Herefordshire is fighting to preserve their goat shelter in a historic orchard after a recent planning application was rejected. Anna Lunt sought permission to build a goat shed and tractor shed at Museum Orchard, located near Lugwardine, but faced strong opposition from local residents and parish councillors. The county’s planners denied the application earlier this month, putting the couple’s rare goats at risk of homelessness.

The rejected application has left Anna and her husband, Simon Lunt, determined to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate. Without the goat shed, the couple fears they may receive an enforcement notice mandating the demolition of the sheds, jeopardizing the welfare of their breeding herd, which consists of nine rare ‘English’ nannies and one billy goat. “We have to take their welfare into account,” stated Anna Lunt.

The couple emphasizes that the structures are built primarily from reclaimed materials and do not have footings in the sloping ground. The goat shed is designed to be dismantled in the future, allowing for a vegetable patch to occupy the area, which Anna hopes will alleviate some aesthetic concerns. “If they didn’t like the sheds’ appearance, we would be happy to paint or clad them,” she added, expressing frustration over not being able to present their side of the story during the planning process.

Simon Lunt highlighted their commitment to protecting the historic orchard, which boasts numerous heritage fruit tree varieties. He stated that no trees have been removed to accommodate the buildings. Instead, he believes the goats contribute positively to the orchard’s ecosystem by enriching the soil. “We would hardly choose to damage our trees,” Simon remarked, countering allegations of potential harm to the orchard’s flora.

In addition to the appeal, the couple has submitted a licensing application for the Blue Barn, located near the tractor shed, where they produce and stockpile Blue Barn Cider. The cider is made entirely from the orchard’s produce, utilizing wild yeast. Simon Lunt expressed a desire to sell the cider directly to the public, stating, “We just want to be able to sell it to the public without going through a middle man.” This venture, however, may face scrutiny from neighbors concerned about its impact.

As the Lunts navigate the planning landscape, their commitment to the welfare of their goats and the preservation of the historic orchard remains unwavering. The outcome of their appeal may ultimately determine the future of both their livestock and the cherished trees they aim to protect.