The owners of a much-loved community farm in Northumberland are celebrating victory after a two-year planning struggle with the county council.

Humbles Wood Farm owners Clive Johnson and Clare Welsh were forced to submit a retrospective planning application for a number of aspects of the farm including the development of animal shelters and a gravelled car park. If permission had not been granted, the new developments would have had to be torn down.

A planning report by Northumberland County Council officers acknowledged that “unauthorised development” had occurred on the site over time, transforming it incrementally from agricultural land and woodland into a “more built up site”. It also notes a back and forth of enforcement notices, appeals and planning applications in 2023 that were subsequently withdrawn.

Council planners recommended the proposals for approval, following significant support from the local community. A total of 79 residents submitted responses backing the farm.

The plans were approved by council officers under delegated powers.

The community aspect of the farm was established with a mission to serve vulnerable children, Alzheimer’s groups and the wider community. It offers a hands-on experience with animals and provides opportunities for underprivileged children.

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Visitors can feed the farm animals freely, while those interested in more interactive experiences, such as alpaca walking, goat cuddling and pony grooming, can participate for a small fee.

Ms Welsh said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey, especially Councillor Gordon Stewart and Northumberland County Council for recognising the importance of our work. Now, more than ever, we need the community’s support to keep this farm alive and running for many years to come.”

Cllr Gordon Stewart, who represents the Prudhoe South ward, added: “Humbles Wood Farm is a family-run business appealing to locals and attracting visitors from a wide area, it’s set in beautiful open countryside within a short distance of the town.

“Clare and Clive’s willingness to grow has been encouraged by the fantastic support shown by so many locals, this is something which we should all be very proud of Prudhoe for. I wish them all the best with exciting times ahead.”