Highland cow petting farm refused over safety fears

Highland Cow Cottage, a small farm in south Cambridgeshire, is a cow petting and afternoon tea business

A Highland cow petting business that was created to diversify a farm's income has been refused retrospective planning permission.

Highland Cow Cottage on Church End in Arrington, Cambridgeshire, applied to continue operating its cow experience and afternoon tea business.

Its founder, Karl Lattion, said the business has brought hundreds of visitors to the area each month, boosted the local economy and diversified their farm's income.

Councillors on South Cambridgeshire District Council's planning committee said they supported the aims of the business, but could not support the application due to highways safety concerns.

At a planning committee meeting Mr Lattion defended the business saying it welcomed 900 monthly visitors and supported local suppliers and accommodation providers.

He said it helped diversify farming, support mental health and boost the local economy.

"Our farm directly employs people and supports local British suppliers, each month more than 400 visitors stay overnight in nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs, generating significant revenue and spend for local businesses," he said.

Rural education

The proposal drew mixed reactions from the public, with 43 comments supporting the plans - praising the initiative as "inclusive, compassionate, and educational" - while receiving 18 objections citing safety risks.

One supporter highlighted the business's contribution to tourism and rural education.

However, objectors raised concerns about visitors walking from The Hardwicke Arms to the site along narrow lanes.

One resident said: "I've seen accidents and near misses on the blind bend leading to Church End. Groups with children and buggies walking in the road are at serious risk."

Mr Lattion argued that safety measures were in place, including designated parking at the tea room and access to the site via a public footpath.

He added that only terminally ill and disabled visitors were allowed to park on-site, with neighbour approval, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In their application, the owners had also asked for permission to keep a number of temporary buildings and six afternoon tea pods at the site.

Arrington Parish Council also opposed the plans, calling the location "inappropriate," despite acknowledging potential benefits.

Cambridgeshire County Council's highways officers echoed safety concerns, prompting South Cambridgeshire District Council's planning officers to recommend refusal.

Councillors expressed sympathy but said safety concerns outweighed the business's merits.

Heather Williams, a Conservative councillor, said if she supported the application and something happened, she "could not live with that consequence".

Ariel Cahn, a Liberal Democrat councillor, agreed and called the venture "a really good way" to "diversify", but added he was uncomfortable approving something highways described as "unduly hazardous".

The committee unanimously voted to reject the application.