A DECISION could soon be made in a long-running dispute between the owners of an equestrian business and Wiltshire Council.

Jeremy Taylor, who runs the business at Follywood Farm in Brinkworth Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, was given planning permission in 2010 to put up temporary accommodation for workers when the farm was changed from an agricultural concern to a stud farm and livery stables.

But the council says that permission was granted on condition that the accommodation was removed by the end of January 2013 – and it is still there.

Wiltshire Council made an enforcement order on Mr Taylor telling him he must remove the buildings. Such an order can be enforced by the courts and refusal to comply is a criminal offence.

Mr Taylor appealed against the notices, saying that he has not breached planning conditions and that the buildings should be granted planning permission to stay. That appeal was due to be heard in an informal hearing by a planning inspector.

The rules have now been changed and the planning inspector will deal with the appeal using written submissions from both sides.

No decision has been made.