A MELKSHAM farmer facing animal cruelty charges will appeal against an enforcement notice at a hearing next month.

Lancelot Beale, 51, of Wyatts Lake Farm, Westbrook, is appealing against the notice issued by Kennet District Council, after officers investigated allegations of illegal land use last year.

Officers responded to claims that Mr Beale illegally changed the use of land at New Road, Melksham, from mushroom farming to vehicle storage.

Mr Beale later applied for planning permission to change the use of his land from agricultural usage to the storage of caravans, boats and vehicles, but the application bid was turned down.

An enforcement notice was issued against Mr Beale by the district council who said the change of use was detrimental to people living nearby and the surrounding countryside.

Officers said the access road leading from New Road onto Sandridge Road and Woodrow Road was also unsuitable for heavy vehicle use.

Mr Beale has appealed against the planning refusal and a Government inspector will hear the case next month.

Last month a trial against Mr Beale, who faces 21 charges of animal cruelty and farmyard mismanagement, was postponed until November.

Mr Beale denies all charges, which were brought by Wiltshire Trading Standards under animal health legislation.

Both parties are applying to the High Court for a judicial review of the case.

He is charged with eight counts of causing unnecessary suffering to sheep and lambs, seven counts of failing to get veterinary advice for emaciated sheep and lambs, one count of failing to keep proper records of the movements of sheep and another count of failing to maintain adequate veterinary records.

The trial resumes in November at Devizes Magistrates' Court.