A man who has been tirelessly pushing for a community farm to be allowed to reopen has finally got his wish as a planning inspector overturned Medway Council’s refusals.

Tony Rocco ran the animal education centre and riding school at Capstone Farm Country Park for 16 years.

He closed for a few years but applications to see it reopened were turned down under powers delegated to council officers.

But after an appeal and a petition signed by 11,000 people the government inspector has approved the proposal.

Mr Rocco turned 68 on Thursday and will be having double celebrations this weekend.

He said: “I’m very pleased, I cannot thank people more for their support on this. I’ve had testimonies written from people who visited as a child and want their own children to have this opportunity, as well as people wanting to work with animals. It shows how much this means to people.

"I’ve had testimonies written from people who visited as a child and want their own children to have this opportunity. It shows how much this means to people. Delays have cost a lot of money for my business, but they have also cost the community." - Tony Rocco

“Delays have cost a lot of money for my business, but they have also cost the community.”

Mr Rocco’s applications, which had been approved in previous years, were rejected by the council for several reasons, mainly an “intensification of educational use”, and not enough parking – despite extra spaces actually being proposed.

A report from a government planning inspector said there was a general “lack of clarity” over the reasons for refusal and found there was more than enough parking provision.

Mr Rocco added: “I hope now it is finally settled, we can all move on and work together.”

Mr Rocco is hoping to have the site up and running with animals on site by autumn.

The farm and riding centre will include a number of spaces for education as well as stables for 12 ponies and indoor and outdoor pets corners with everything from rabbits to sheep.

He will be working with the RSPCA to source some of the animals and said: “This is what we did before, many animals which are safe and used to being petted are given to the RSPCA for various reasons and we can help rehome them.”

Mr Rocco is looking to organise work placements for those who want experience in horticulture and is open to groups and societies in the area who would like to use the facility.

To speak to Mr Rocco about opportunities available call 01634 666388 or email tr@medway.uk.com.