Last updated 10:02, Thursday, 26 June 2008

A CUMBRIAN hill farmer who planned to build a sheep shelter in the fells, near Buttermere, may have to pay thousands of pounds for an archaeological dig after evidence of an 800-year-old dairy farm was discovered on the land.

Willie Richardson has been waiting eight months for a decision from the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) on his plans for the 1,235 square metre shelter at Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere.

Now the work has been delayed indefinitely after an archaeological officer visited the site in October and discovered the remains of a 1260 dairy farm.

An internal investigation has been launched by the LDNPA because of Mr Richardson’s long wait for a decision. He made the application in May.

Three years ago he decided to build something for his 800 fattening hoggs.

He said: “We’d sorted out the plans for the shed, got planning permission and the go-ahead from the National Trust.

“It was passed through a meeting by six votes to four. But we spoke too soon. The Lake District National Park authority has now discovered the site of an ancient diary farm that is believed to have been on the very plot where the shed is due to be built.

“It was supposed to be a dairy farm in 1260. The upshot is they say I must first commission an archaeological dig, and it could cost up to £10,000. Think about it! I will have paid a blooming fortune out to be able to get permission and there’s no guarantee I can still get permission.”

It will be up to Mr Richardson to pay for a dig if one is necessary.

He added: “Yet it’s now midwinter with driving rain and sleet. My sheep could have been accommodated under cover instead of poaching the fields and intakes with their hooves.

“Poached and rutted ground can result in a reduction in my ESA and single farm payment on account of damage to the land.

“It seems you can’t win!”

He said he needs the shed because of the increasingly wet winters, which he blames on global warming.

Because of the planning delays, he faces a daily drive out to his hoggs that are wintering in Lorton.

Steve Ratcliffe, director of planning and partnerships at the LDNPA, said he would investigate the long delay.

The planning committee met in August and agreed to delegate the application to officers for approval.

Mr Ratcliffe said: “I can understand Mr Richardson’s frustration, I will be investigating the processes that have led to the delay.

“I would stress how we want to work with Mr Richardson to come to a swift conclusion on this one.”