KENNET district councillors have backed a couple undertaking their dream of running a stock farm at Great Cheverell, by granting planning permission for a mobile home.

Kevin and Fiona Gover sold their house near Calne and moved into rented accommodation near Devizes so they could buy Lower Green Farm and raise beef cattle.

Mr and Mrs Gover had applied for planning permission to station a mobile home on their 37 acres at Cheverell after all attempts to find a house to rent or buy nearby fell through.

But the parish councillors opposed the scheme because they felt the Govers' business plan was not viable.

Kennet's agricultural consultant said there it was only necessary to have someone on the site during calving. He said the unit would only become financially viable after four or five years.

Planning officers recommended the application should be rejected, but many villagers supported the couple.

Donald Ryan, a vet who had been sent in by Defra to test the herd, spoke for them at a meeting last Thursday. He told councillors: "Health and disease are things that can change very rapidly and prompt attention can often save an animal's life."

Coun Lionel Grundy, who represents the Cheverell ward, had asked the application to be brought before the committee, rather than be dealt with by officers under delegated powers.

He said: "I wanted my colleagues to hear the full story. It is encouraging to see someone moving on to an agricultural holding rather than moving off it. Selling their house to purchase the land is a firm indication of commitment to starting a viable business. Both applicants have other jobs and all their spare time is spent on this farm. The report doesn't take into consideration animal welfare."

Mr Grundy described how one heifer calved during the night and it was some hours before it was discovered. Because it didn't get colostrum, the first milk that is particularly rich in anti-bodies that fight disease straight away, the calf will have to be kept under close observation for the rest of its life."

His support was echoed by other councillors who thought the couple should be given a chance to get their business off the ground.

The committee unanimously agreed to grant temporary planning permission for the mobile home for three years.

Mr and Mrs Gover said they were surprised and delighted by the decision.

Mrs Gover said: "We were not taking anything for granted, so we haven't got a mobile home set up.

"What really impressed me was the depth of understanding that the councillors showed. We were quite overwhelmed by it."

Mrs Gover, a veterinary assistant who had been married to a dairy farmer before meeting Mr Gover, said their new business was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.

She said: "It is something that both of us have wanted to do all our lives. We were so fed up with the lack of opportunity to start up farming for ourselves. It has been quite hard to remain positive over the last few months, but this decision has really restored our faith."

Mrs Gover said she would like to come to an arrangement with Holy Trinity Primary School in Great Cheverell to arrange visits by schoolchildren to see the wildlife flora and fauna on the farm.