BLACKSMITH Mike Vosper became the champion of small rural businesses this week after winning a six-year battle with planners who were refusing to allow him to live at his forge on the Bere Peninsula.

His fight to be allowed to continue to put a mobile home at the site led to three appeals which went against him. He threatened to report West Devon Borough Council to the Ombudsman and said he was also prepared to take the council to the European Court of Justice.

Mr Vosper claimed his flourishing business at Collytown Forge was at risk because lack of security at the premises could result in failure to get proper insurance cover.

Over the years the qualified training farrier suffered numerous break-ins and was forced to install a security light and alarm system.

He said he needed to live on the spot as his livelihood was endangered as a direct consequence of the burgarlies.

Originally, the business was largely a mobile farrier service but the forge has expanded to repair farm machinery and make ornamental gates and railings.

But on Tuesday, the planning committee went against planning officers' recommendation and granted Mr Vosper temporary permission to live on the Collytown Forge site for a further two years.

NFU representative Alan Dukes, who spoke on behalf of Mr Vosper's application at the meeting, said afterwards: 'I am delighted to see common sense has prevailed and West Devon is helping people in rural businesses instead of hindering them.'

Earlier, Mr Dukes told the committee there could be a problem over insurance cover if the forge was left unoccupied.

'Although there has been a decrease in urban crime, rural crime is on the increase. Rural businesses are regarded as soft targets — it is a major concern and I feel that this should be voiced.'

The blacksmith had strong support from Bere Ferrers Parish Council, West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett, and hundreds of people living on the peninsula but planning officers had still recommended refusal following a recent site inspection report.

They said the mobile home would be sited in an area of outstanding natural beauty outside a town or village without an agricutural, horticultural or commercial need.

But Mr Vosper's agent Bob Page said the mobile home was well-screened from the road and his client needed to live on the site for security reasons.

'His business is expanding and the blacksmith work is taking off. To indicate that no security is needed, I find totally incomprehensible,' he said.

The committee was told Mr Vosper had invested more than £5,000 in the buildings and had taken on an apprentice to help with shoeing for the remedial treatment of horses.

Cllr Noel Cartwright, a member of the site inspection panel, said when he visited the premises he found 'strong evidence that the business had increased and now employed two people'.

He said: 'There is an increase of crime in the countryside and I am going to propose that we grant permission for a further two years This council's policy is to support rural businessses and I am satisfied that this one is doing a good job.'

Cllr Dennis Bater said he, too, was suprised how much work was being carried on at the forge.

Following the meeting, Mr Vosper said he wanted to thank his parish council and John Burnett for their support as well as the hundreds of people who had written to him backing his application.

'People on the peninsula have been keeping an eye on this case. My business is very important to them,' he said.

Bob Page praised Mr Vosper's patience: 'A lesser man might have crumbled under the strain. Mr Vosper has had six years of hard struggle and now justice has been done.'