Future of Plankey Mill Farm, Northumberland under review

Plankey Mill Farm, located near Hexham in Northumberland, was used as a camping site for more than 10 years by the tenant at the time, Walter Renwick.

The 68-year-old farmer, who was born at the farm, was evicted by landowners The Jesuits in Britain last year, after a drawn-out dispute over his residency at the property.

Now, the church has confirmed it is undertaking a full review of the site and any decisions taken will focus on preserving the site's natural beauty.

A Jesuits in Britain spokesperson said: "We are undertaking a full review of the Plankey Mill site, assessing its current condition and exploring options for its future. Any decisions will be made with great care, focusing on protecting the natural environment and preserving Plankey Mill's unique beauty.

“Please be aware that some buildings at the site may not be structurally safe, and we strongly advise against attempting to access any of them.”

It comes as concerns were raised on social media over the condition of the site.

A post on the Hexham Matters Facebook page said the fields looked overgrown and 'abandoned', raising the question of what was next for the once-popular camping site.

Plankey Mill was also listed as the second-best picnic spot in the UK in 2022. 

During the dispute with the Jesuits, Walter thought when his father, Eric, died the lease would be passed down to him, but the church said that was not the case.

READ MORE: Last ditch appeal for farmer to save home as eviction date looms near

The farm had been in his family for three generations when the Jesuits applied for a possession order on the property, which it owned.

At the time, the Jesuits said many people denouncing the repossession were basing their objections on the fact that Walter had been running a paid-for campsite on fields next to the property.

However, the church said the campsite was not allowed under the lease terms and did not have planning permission from the local authority.