New scheme at Guisborough 'is just a ploy'

In another massive show of support, more than 130 people were at a public meeting called to consider the latest salvo in the battle for Guisborough's Home Farm.

And it was agreed to send a mass protest to the North York moors national park which will consider a new application by the owners of the farm, Southlands Management.

An action group is also drawing up plans to try to get the farm into the care of the National Trust to preserve historic equipment at the site.

A scheme to renovate the unique machinery from the 19th century has a new influx of funds.

Campaigners have already fought off a plan to develop the site for residential purposes - a scheme which sparked a huge outcry.

Southlands appealed against the national park's decision to refuse that scheme but has now withdrawn that appeal.

Now a new application seeks to put metal cladding and roller doors on two Dutch barns and a lean-to at Home Farm.

Action group chairman Mr John Wright told last Thursday's meeting the plans were a ploy to bring housing development piecemeal.

Home Farm is occupied by farmer Mr Leslie Wilkinson and his family.

They say the new plan would mean the combine harvester could not be garaged and fodder could not be stored.

Mr David Wilkinson, the farmer's son, said there could also be a fire risk as air would not be able to circulate. "The temperatures would be horrific," he said.

He said the family was glad the appeal had been withdrawn but had been stunned by this latest move.

"It is part of ongoing harassment," he said, " but we are determined to fight. We have no choice."

Mr Wilkinson said the affair was stressful for his father and mother, Joan.

"They are both 70 and should not have to put up with this," he said. "It has been going on for four years and has cost us a lot of money."

He praised supporters of the farm.

"We would be sunk without their backing," he said. "We would have no hope."

Urging everyone at the meeting to write to the national park in protest, Mr Wright said: "This latest set of plans could put the viability of the farm at risk.

"Cladding and roller doors are not appropriate and the buildings would become useless to the farmer.

"We want people to object to what would be a monstrosity. The landlord is trying to wear the farmer down.

"The plan looks innocent on the face of it but it is a way of nibbling at the edges to make the farm less viable and get hold of the outbuildings. They want rid of the farmer and then it would be open season with planning schemes."

After the meeting, Mr Wright said the turn-out had been brilliant.

There had also been a good collection towards the cost of restoring the old equipment, seen as a way of protecting the farm.

"There is total opposition to this absolutely unnecessary development which is not in the farmer's best interests," he said.

A spokesman for the national park's planning office said the Southlands application was likely to be considered on September 17.

Following the meeting, the action group said it was inundated with telephone calls this week from supporters who could not attend the meeting, but who wished to write letters of objection to the national park authority.

And after receiving further information, Guisborough Town Council indicated it would not now be recommending approval for the application. It will contact Redcar and Cleveland council to advise it about the development.

Dr Ashok Kumar is also backing the campaign to have the current application rejected