'Heartbreak' as family told they have 6 weeks to move horses off farm

COUNCIL SAYS LAND IS FOR FARMING, NOT EQUESTRIAN USE

- By LOUIS CORBETT

FOR three years, the Anthony family have kept horses at the family farm in Kimberley.

Grandad Terry Anthony bought the Babbington Lane farm in 2023 and, since then, the family has built stables for their own horses, and let the animals graze on their 200-acre plot.

Freelance riding instructor Chloe Anthony, 36, and her sister say they are only on the farm for personal use. But the family say they were left heartbroken when Broxtowe Borough Council launched enforcement action for apparent unlawful use of the land.

They said the council has served a six-week notice on them, telling them they must move the majority of the horses because they have no permission for equestrian use and that the site can only be used for agricultural purposes.

The family say they have until May 1 to move the horses off the land.

They said their grandad Terry can keep a few horses, which are owned by him, but the others owned by Chloe and Millie have to go.

In July last year, the family submitted a planning application for a ménage, the conversion of an agricultural building to 26 stables and two tack rooms, and to use an area of land for riding lessons for livery clients. However, the application was refused by the council over what it constituted to be an increased use of the bridleways to access Grasscroft Farm.