Businessman Lance Oliver has been issued a deadline of February 2, 2024, to relocate his animal farm, presently situated in Villa.
Previously, the Physical Planning and Development Board (PPDB) had denied Oliver’s request for an extension to move his farm.
Oliver had until November 26 to remove all his pigs and ducks from a farm he has run for nearly two decades. However, the farm’s location in a residential area prompted the PPDB to warn of shutting down the operation in case of non-compliance.
On Friday, Oliver received a letter from the PPDB dated January 5, 2024, instructing him to clear all farm animals, demolish unauthorised structures—specifically, animal stalls on the land—and conduct a site restoration process to eliminate all waste from the land.
Additionally, he was ordered to take any other necessary measures to remove, mitigate, or prevent any potential threats to the surrounding environment in Villa. The letter specified compliance within four weeks from receipt.
Speaking with ANN, Oliver expressed concerns about the tight timeframe, citing the need for PPDB approval to relocate the animals. He mentioned exploring three potential locations, including a site in Mt Grennon where they had submitted a survey plan a month ago but have yet to receive a response.
“We own land in Congo Valley and are currently clearing it to accommodate the animal houses,” Oliver revealed.
Expressing commitment to resolving the issue in collaboration with authorities, Oliver appealed to the PPDB for improved communication channels to facilitate a smoother process.
“While the authorities want us to move, it’s vital they communicate with us too, suggesting suitable transition areas,” he stated. He emphasised the need for a fair opportunity to conduct legitimate business without bias.
Oliver conveyed that the PPDB’s letters had been delivered in a threatening tone. Despite this, he clarified his continuous effort, even during the holidays, to comply with the directive to remove the pigs and ducks from the premises.
The letter issued to Oliver by the PPDB demands the removal of farm animals, demolition of unauthorised structures, site restoration to eliminate waste, and any necessary actions to prevent environmental threats within four weeks of receipt. Failure to comply could lead to fines. The letter underscores Oliver’s contravention of planning laws, his failure to obtain permission for animal housing, and continuous non-compliance despite several extensions and warnings over a decade. The Order, signed by Minister Montgomery Daniel, directs Oliver to comply or face Board-led actions for removal and mitigation.