A HEARTBROKEN pensioner is doing everything he can to prevent eviction from a house his family has rented for three generations.

Farmer Walter Renwick, 68, who was born at Plankey Mill Farm, is a well-known face to visitors at the much-loved beauty spot, near Hexham, where he runs a campsite - which was number two on the UK's best picnic spot last year.

However, Walter has closed the campsite and sold animals on the farm after a dispute with The Jesuits in Britain, who own the land.

After Walter's father Eric died, Walter thought the lease would be passed down to him, but the church says that was never the case and has tried to evict him several times.

Hexham Courant:

The most recent eviction was to take place on Tuesday, July 11 but Walter was granted a  28-day stay by Carlisle Court and now has until August 8 to vacate the property.

Walter said: "All I ever wanted to do was to be a farmer with my dad," 

"I left school when I was 14 and it was just me and him working on the land. 

"I know I might be in the wrong legally as I don't own the house but I am hoping that I can be allowed to stay.

"There are too many memories here and I can't take them with me. 

"I am on my own and have no one with me.

"The house has been a part of my family's life for three generations - that must count for something. I really want to stay. 

"I am hoping someone can help with my case.

"This house means the world to me. I am scared every time I hear a noise and worry someone is coming for the house."

Hexham Courant:

 

The Jesuits in Britain church who own the  property said:"The Jesuits in Britain can confirm that they have applied for a possession order on the Plankey Mill property, which is owned by them. 

"This step has become necessary after repeated and fruitless attempts to persuade the son of the original leaseholder to leave the property fifteen years after his father’s death. "An original lease was held legally by this person’s father, but like similar properties across the UK, there were no clauses in the lease for his children to inherit the rental contract when he died.
"Nevertheless, the Jesuits have agreed to several lease extensions totalling thirteen years up until April 2021, in order to give the illegal occupier time to find a new home. 

"In addition, the Jesuits offered to financially renumerate him, to assist him in his move, if he left the property by November 2022. 

Hexham Courant:

"Since the last lease extension concluded in April 2021, this person has been in illegal possession of the property.


 "Many of those denouncing the repossession have based their objections on the fact that the son of the leaseholder has been running a paid-for campsite on fields adjacent to the property. 

This campsite was never allowed under the terms of the lease, and did not have planning permission from the local authority. 

"However, the Jesuits have never taken action on this point.

"Over a number of years, the Jesuits have received complaints from both the local council and the National Trust (who own an adjacent property) about the unsocial behaviour of several campers, especially during the pandemic in 2020."

A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council adds: "In 2020 we received a complaint regarding an unauthorised campsite at Plankey Mill Farm in Hexham.

"During the investigation, it was discovered that the campsite had been in operation for more than 10 years and is therefore immune form planning enforcement action."