PLANNING GREEN LIGHT FOR GRIMSBY'S OWN COMMUNITY FARM

THERE has been an important boost for  Grimsby's very own community farm.

Over the past 18 months owners, Neil Campbell and Jo Holbrook-Morris, have been running Nunny's Farm , off Wootton Road on the Nunsthorpe Estate, without the benefit of planning permission

Rightly or wrongly, this has cast a shadow over the credibility and integrity of the operation, making it difficult for the duo to access grant aid.

However, North East Lincolnshire Council has this week granted planning consent for the farm which is located on a little-used former school playing field to the rear of Centre4.

In effect, that is a green light for animal shelters, information stands, tree-planting and pond-creation areas, plus a sensory maze, fruits and even bee hives.

Unusually, as part of the same project, there will be two five-a-side football pitches.

The project has been set up to be  run by the community for the community.

When a survey was undertaken among  residents of 57 nearby households, 93 per cent were said to have come out in favour

The only concern was about the potential for smell from the animals.

 Despite the boost from the council, these are still difficult times for the pair and who have sunk their savings into their imaginative  Nunny's Farm venture.

Because of coronavirus lockdown, they have been unable to stage fundraising events.

Thanks to a donation from the Rock Foundation, they have been able to meet feeding bills for the livestock, but they would welcome a substantial cash lifeline - perhaps sponsorship from one or more local businesses.