Farming couple’s eviction fight set for High Court
Scott Hodson with one of his hens © The Hodson family A Bedfordshire farming couple are being taken to the High Court after what they describe as “a decade of prejudice, wasted money and systematic failure” by their local council.
Scott and Jacqueline Hodson run Hill Farm, a 9.7ha smallholding in Riseley, combining mixed farming with a care farming initiative in partnership with the King’s Arms Project. They provide education, rural skills and mental health support through Pathways Community.
Despite a Savills report confirming the essential need for an on-site agricultural worker’s dwelling, Bedford Borough Council has repeatedly refused planning permission and is now pursuing a court injunction to evict the family.
See also: Planning conditions: What they are and why they matter
The dispute stems from a 2014 enforcement notice issued by Bedford Borough Council relating to unauthorised residential use.
On 25 June this year, the council sent the Hodsons a letter giving them two weeks to confirm compliance with the enforcement to move off the land, stating that they “did not need to be on site to apply for further [planning] applications”.
The couple contends that the council lacks the expertise to assess their needs.
“Agricultural experts agree we must be within sight and sound of the animals,” Mr Hodson added. “But the council isn’t listening.”
Planning permission refused
In a bid to avoid court, Mr Hodson offered to remove one of two caravans on site and submitted updated business plans and reports confirming their need to remain. The offer was rejected.
A second offer – requesting a pause on enforcement or temporary three-year planning permission to prove the farm would work – was also refused.
In 2023, the Hodsons submitted a planning application to build a temporary agricultural worker’s dwelling – about the size of a typical three-bedroom house. They argued the dwelling was essential to care for their animals 24/7.
However, the council rejected the proposal, publishing a 31-page report claiming the need and viability were not justified.
A second application included extensive supporting evidence – highways and access reports, ecological surveys, a business plan, and Savills’ endorsement – yet it was rejected for “insufficient information”.
“We’ve spent over £20,000 trying to meet their demands, while the council has likely spent more than £150,000 of taxpayers’ money trying to remove us,” said Mr Hodson.
“Other farmers get approval with far less. In our opinion, the planning officers simply don’t have the skills to assess an agricultural site or application.
“At no point has the council brought in anyone with agricultural experience to advise them – they just get it wrong every time.”
Smallholding dispute
The Hodsons keep pigs, sheep, goats, rescue hens, and grow vegetables and garlic across 3ha. Business projections forecast £76,000 profit annually.
“One meeting could’ve solved this,” Mr Hodson said. “Instead, it’s court. This is bigger than us – if it can happen here, it can happen to anyone. Farmers need support, not obstruction.”
The High Court hearing in London is scheduled for 8 October. Bedford Borough Council has not responded to a request for comment from Farmers Weekly.