A HAMPSHIRE farming family could be forced to ditch their organic operation if a planning appeal fails to go their way, an inquiry was told.

Richard Arnison-Newgass wants to build a bungalow at Gambledown Farm, near Sherfield English, for a stockman to run his beef herd.

The scheme was rejected by Test Valley Borough Council last year – but the farmer later appealed against the decision.

At a public inquiry at Crosfield Hall in Romsey, his representative Richard Bround said the development was vital if the farm was to continue breeding organic Shorthorn cattle.

He said: “The application brings with it real benefits. It enables the continuance of the cattle herd at the farm – without it there is a real risk that the farm would be contract farmed for arable and would have a devastating effect on the ecology and the landscape.”

The appeal has been supported by the parish council, Ramblers Association and the National Farmers Union.

Clare Parry, representing TVBC at the three day inquiry, said the bungalow plan was “not essential to the operation” of the farm and there was “no need for a specialist stockman on site”.

Government inspector David Prentis will spend between five and seven weeks examining evidence from the inquiry – which was due to end today before reaching his conclusion.