Current situation of Model Farm in Rhoose to be addressed

Family farm, Model Farm, has been under threat of being concreted over by Legal & General, which owns the land near Rhoose and hopes to build a business park there.

Since 1935, four generations of the family have lived and worked at Model Farm, on Port Road in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The farm is a beef and arable enterprise, along with a wildflower plantation; the Jenkins family sells seeds online and gives them to local school for free.

The initial planning decision – submitted to Vale of Glamorgan Council by Legal & General – was quashed due to “irregularities” with many people opposing the proposals; Legal & General has now resubmitted plans.

In a council meeting, at 6pm on July 18, Cllr Ian Johnson – who represents central Barry and is leader of the Plaid Cymru group – will be asking:

“What is the current situation regarding the Model Farm development?”

More than 2,000 have shown support for keeping Model Farm as farmland – via the Vale Communities Unite group – with concerns including the impact on the environment, during a nature emergency, along with the consequences it would have for the Jenkins family.

Campaigner Maxine Levett – who wishes to protect the rich biodiversity at the site – led a walk around Model Farm on July 3.

“People has a lovely time at Model Farm,” said Ms Levett.

The day included:

A walk led by Ms Levett highlighting the biodiversity at Model Farm;

• Farmer Gethin discussing farming and different crops – including growing stubble turnips to seed, so that other farmers can grow these for sheep in winter, winter wheat for animal foods, spring wheat for brewing, etc;
• Information on the wildflowers at Model Farm and the progress of Wild Wales Seeds;
• Hot drinks, cakes, and homebrewed elderflower juice.

“Unfortunately, many councillors did not respond to invites to look around the farm,” added Ms Levett.

“Although this was not a political venture it meant people could view and have knowledge of the land.

“However, the lack of councillors opened the door for more public members to see the beautiful space this farm creates and the wealth of biodiversity, foods and seeds that are produced.”

All Rhoose councillors and MP Alun Cairns joined the walk earlier this month.

Mr Cairns said: “Lovely farm walk organised by Maxine Levett - fantastic to see the beautiful farm and the stunning poppies overlooking the viaduct.

“It was great to experience the working farm and speak to those who passionately and rightly want it to be protected; I will make sure I keep supporting the local campaign.”

You can follow the campaign on Facebook via Vale Communities Unite Against the planned development of Model Farm