Owner of Hare Hatch Sheeplands threatened with jail as planning dispute continues

by | Jul 6, 2017 | News | 0 comments

jail

The High Court ruled on Friday the owner of Hare Hatch Sheeplands garden centre would face jail unless it complies fully with an injunction by July 17.

The owner of the London Road garden centre, Rob Scott, has been embroiled in a planning dispute with Wokingham Borough Council (WBC), which took out an enforcement notice against what it described as ?unauthorised developments?.

WBC successfully argued that Sheeplands is not a plant nursery and therefore all retail activity outside of the farm shop breaches the injunction. This includes plants and gardening products.

The hearing also ruled that a fishmonger could not be moved within the farm shop at this time but could be part of a future planning application.

A spokesman for Sheeplands said: ?What we would like is to check our compliance with the council to ensure we are doing what they expect, so we?ve asked them to clarify some of the injunction.

?However, they don?t seem willing to speak with us and help us to comply, which is what we?re committed to doing. The council said at the court they don?t think we?re a plant nursery. But we can?t meet the terms of the injunction if the council don?t define what they think one is.?

A spokesman for WBC said: “Due to the ongoing legal proceedings we cannot comment further on the dispute regarding Hare Hatch Sheeplands. However, Mr Scott has and continues to be advised by his own legal and planning professionals.”

Article source

more latest news ➡

Steve Morgan

GCR PROFILES STEVE MORGAN, CHAIR OF ZEST OUTDOOR LIVING

A popular and well-known figure in the garden industry, Steve Morgan is the sort of person you would want to be on your side. In many ways he built Zest and the wider P & A Group of which he is also Chair, to the same model. It’s a family business, where the...

autumn

Moving From Summer to Autumn Without Confusing Customers

Seasonal transitions are among the most delicate moments in retail. For garden centres, where atmosphere and emotion drive purchasing decisions, the shift from summer to autumn must feel natural, not abrupt. Customers should sense continuity, not contradiction....

Engineering before technology

Engineering Before Technology

Commercial organisations across the UK are navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. Energy systems are evolving, regulation is tightening, costs remain challenging,and expectations around sustainability and resilience continue to increase. In this...

Christmas

Why August Matters More Than October for Christmas

For decades, October was considered the unofficial start of Christmas retail, the moment when festive displays appeared, stock arrived, and customers began to think ahead. But in today’s supply‑chain reality, October is no longer early; it’s reactive. The smartest...

spirits

Craft Spirits, Gifting, and Seasonal Tasting Events

Craft spirits have evolved from niche indulgence to mainstream fascination, and garden‑centre retail is increasingly embracing this shift. With customers seeking authenticity, provenance, and experience, craft spirits offer a natural extension of the lifestyle and...

deli and bakery in garden centres

Bakery & Deli Freshness, Display, and the Power of Smell

Few retail experiences are as instantly evocative as walking into a garden‑centre bakery or deli. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of golden pastries, and the hum of conversation around the café create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and...

footwear

The footwear conundrum: A Year‑Round Opportunity

Footwear has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in garden‑centre retail. Once seen as a functional add‑on, it now represents a category that bridges lifestyle, leisure, and practicality, appealing to customers across seasons and demographics. From...









Subscribe ToThe Wednesday Word

Subscribe To
The Wednesday Word

 

Get all the latest news, events & more straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This