Neighbours support Forest Farm in Barnes Lane Milford in application to NFDC for storage use to be allowed

AN application to keep storage containers on a farm in Milford has been refused by New Forest District Council.

Applicant Mrs S Crawford wanted a lawful use certificate granted for the containers and vehicles on land at Forest Farm in Barnes Lane.

But it was refused despite several residents expressing support for the application.

One resident who lives nearby said: “We do not see an issue at all with this application. The storage facility has been there for some time, our family are the longest time residents in this part of the Lane (48 years) and at no time have any problems been caused by traffic to and from the farm.

“Our property backs directly onto the farm and we cannot even see the units they are so far off the lane. We should be encouraging farmers to diversify in these modern times in order to maintain our rural landscape, and therefore we support this application.”

Another neighbour also supported the plan, saying: “I can see no problem with the Lawful Use Certificate being granted. There are far less movements from Forest Farm now than there was when it was an equestrian centre. The containers are not visible from the lane and so should not be a problem to anyone.”

A third neighbour was also in favour. “The previous owner of the property ran it as an equestrian centre and held horse shows on a regular basis, which meant we would have 20 -25 horse boxes, lorries and trailers coming and going at weekends, which was far worse than an occasional lorry coming in once every two or three months.

“And as far as the storage containers are concerned, I doubt most people know they are there. It is just a small holding trying to survive in the modern world.”

However, one resident of Barnes Lane was against the application, saying: “If this Lawful Use Certificate is granted it can only mean more HGV movements in and out of Forest Farm, creating yet more traffic and noise in what is a rural country lane. I am certain that not only noise and traffic, but safety will be compromised in this narrow lane.”

New Forest District Council decided the use of the site was not lawful and refused to grant the certificate.