UNITED KINGDOM-FARMER IN CONFLICT WITH PARISH COUNCIL.
A HEWISH cattle famer has accused community leaders of bias after they disputed plans for a farm track on his land.
Dennis Jones, of Elms Farm, was granted permission to lay the stone track to seven-and-a-half acres off concrete standing on land of East Hewish lane by North Somerset Council.
The hard surface can be used to station machinery, livestock feed and farming equipment until 2010 under planning approval conditions by the authority.
Puxton and Hewish parish councillors objected strongly to the track because they said it contributed to the loss of valuable agriculture land.
Mr Jones, however, said the track was required to avoid damage to land with the continued movement of heavy farm machinery and cattle.
At a parish council meeting last week, Mr Jones told councillors: "I am very disappointed by the council.
"We are a good, tidy and well-managed farm which not long ago was forced to diversify and store caravans to survive.
"But any proposal I have for the farm, I am blasted by your council. I think you are biased against me.
"I have some more planning applications coming up, and one not very far off. I hope in future you will consider them on their planning merit, and not otherwise."
Mr Jones submitted three applications, all opposed by the parish council, for the hard surface area.
He has also had two sets of plans for the storage of microlights at the farm and one application for an airfield refused.
Chair of Puxton and Hewish parish council, Andrew McKenzie, said: "For any planning application we take the evidence, consider it and give a recommendation.
"You are entitled to what you say, but I assure you we have treated you no different to anyone else who submits a planning application.