A PLANNING battle has ended after seven years, after the owners of a farm shop were ordered to remove an extension and part of its car park.

The late Gerry White, former owner of Dawpool and Lee Farm, in Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral, applied in 2002 to build an agricultural building, but after permission was granted he built a farm shop, which deviated from original plans.

Neighbours and action groups were angered when an extension and a car park were added to the shop without planning permission.

An enforcement notice to remove the extension, car park and UPVC windows in the shop was put to Mr White.

He appealed, and was told to reduce the car park and remove the extension on his shop.

Mr White then applied for retrospective planning permission to keep the entire car park and extension, but this has now been refused and Mr White’s son, Geb, who now owns the farm, must tear down the extension and significantly reduce the car park. He refused to comment on the situation.

Tim Mobbs, of the Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society, said: “The farm is on the greenbelt and it is a designated land of scenic value. We don’t want huge structures and Tarmac destroying this.”

A Wirral Council spokesman said: “This planning process has involved two planning applications, an enforcement notice and the lodging of an appeal. It’s been very complicated, which is why it has been so time-consuming.”