Farmer removes ponies after plans turned down

TENANT FARMER IS 'NOT CLOSE ENOUGH' TO TEND TO ANIMALS

- MAXINE DENTON

A FARMER has taken the step of removing the iconic grazing ponies from a beauty spot, over a refusal of planning permission for a house at a prominent site.

Chris Wilton stated that due to his development plans being rejected, he lacks the necessary facilities and manpower to care for the ponies.

The animals are not only integral to the upkeep of the protected area but also form part of the allure that draws visitors, particularly those keen to see the Dartmoor ponies.

However, this latest development in an ongoing bitter dispute with authorities and locals has resulted in the ponies being relocated.

In 2019, tenant farmer Mr Wilton submitted a planning application to construct a two-storey family home on land located on the Rame peninsula. Despite Cornwall Council granting permission for the home in 2020, objectors successfully appealed the decision through a judicial review.

A High Court judge subsequently overturned the permission, stating that Cornwall Council’s planning committee had failed to adhere to the correct process.

Following this, Mr Wilton resubmitted his plans, only for the council committee to once again refuse permission. A subsequent appeal against this decision to the Government’s planning inspectorate was also unsuccessful.