Planning battle threatens future of buffalo farm

A Staffordshire farmer says his diversified livestock business faces an uncertain future after failure to secure the necessary planning permissions has left him with six months to remove several buildings he considers essential to his farm’s operation.

Oakley Whilock, who has spent more than two decades building his farm business, employs eight full-time and 15 seasonal staff and keeps a herd of 80 water buffalo.

He claims the decision by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council could force the removal of four buildings, including a farm shop, office, staff facilities and agricultural sheds.

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Mr Whilock said he has unsuccessfully appealed the decision and has spent more than £60,000 on planning applications and consultancy fees over the past 16 years.

“We have put in three applications for the livestock buildings and every time it has been refused. I now have just six months to take everything down,” he told Farmers Weekly.

Growing farming enterprise

© Oakleys Farm

He said the buildings were developed to support a growing farming enterprise and diversification activities that have become increasingly important to the business.

The farm shop sells buffalo meat produced on the farm alongside goods from other local producers.

However, Mr Whilock said the council’s concerns relate to the site’s Green Belt location and the sale of products sourced from elsewhere.

“I stock produce from other local farms here, as well as our own buffalo meat.

“But because the extension is in a green belt area, the council has told me only under special circumstances can it be used commercially,” he said.

Mr Whilock also constructed additional livestock housing to support planned herd expansion and installed staff welfare facilities.

He said delays in planning decisions left him facing difficult choices about accommodating livestock and maintaining business growth.

Public support

Over the years, the farm has diversified beyond food production, hosting school and scout visits, open days and public events aimed at connecting consumers with farming.

The business has attracted significant support, with a petition drawing more than 6,000 signatures, backing from 271 businesses, and nearly 2,000 messages.

“Now they’re going to take this all away. My passion is farming, but with the industry as it is I had to diversify and expand. Without the buildings, I won’t be able to carry on,” he said.

Council response

In a statement, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said it supports farm diversification, but argued that several buildings and commercial activities had been established without the necessary planning permissions.

The authority said the site is located within the Green Belt, where agricultural development is generally permitted, but other commercial uses face stricter controls.

The council said two enforcement notices were issued last year and later upheld by a government planning inspector following an appeal.

The inspector concluded that some activities on the site created a commercial appearance inconsistent with its lawful agricultural use and would harm the openness of the Green Belt.

However, the council stressed that the enforcement notices do not require farming activities to cease and that livestock enterprises, including buffalo production, can continue in other authorised buildings on the site.

Mr Whilock said he is now hoping to find a solution to stop the business from closing.