Council boosts campaign to stop ancient farm sell-off

A campaign to stop an ancient farm in the centre of Portishead from being sold off to developers has received a major boost – after council planners said they were unlikely to allow any major development on the site.

Residents launched a campaign to save Court House Farm – one of the only remaining farms along the town's High Street – after learning it was to be auctioned off by Bristol City Council.

Campaigners want the city council to stop the sale and open up discussions with residents about the possibility of a local trust turning the site into a community farm and heritage centre.

The site comprises a main farmhouse, which is grade II-listed, and a series of barns and outbuildings as well as pieces of agricultural land.

A 3,000-signature petition objecting to the sale of the farm was handed to Bristol City Council this week.

Portishead Town Council is also backing the campaign to ensure the site remains a feature of the community for generations to come.

The campaign received a further boost this week after North Somerset Council planners said the authority was unlikely to allow major development of the site because it would affect the area's character.

The council made its comments following consultation with English Heritage.

A statement from the council said: "We would have concerns about the re-use of the existing barns for residential purposes as this could adversely affect the character of the site.

"Officers are also concerned that new buildings on the site would harm the setting of the listed buildings and would also fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and amenity area.

"It is difficult to say what sort of development, if any, would be acceptable on this site."

Council chiefs said no firm plans had been received for the site and any application would have to be judged in line with the authority's planning policies.

The farm, which was rumoured to have been lived in by a Lord and was part of a wider estate in the town, is one of only a handful of farms left along the High Street.

Others have been sold off over the years and, despite massive opposition from residents, used for housing.

The news has been welcomed by campaign leaders.

Mum-of-two Rita Baker, 37, who is heading the drive to save the farm, said: "This is fantastic news and we are ecstatic that the council is taking this stance with the future development of the farm.

"The fact that many commercial developments would be prohibited means the dream of turning Court Farm into a community resource is more of a reality."