Dawn Goulding, 55, faces an uncertain future for her home and more than 100 animals at Alpaca Acres after a planning inspector dismissed the family's appeal against an enforcement notice issued by Colchester City Council in October 2025.
The family-run farm in Great Tey, near Colchester, Essex, houses alpacas alongside rescued pigs, goats, sheep, chickens and other animals. It offers animal experiences and says it has welcomed vulnerable children, veterans, NHS workers, care-home residents and people with additional needs.
Inspector rules on financial sustainability
The inspector accepted that the operation required one rural worker to be available outside normal working hours. However, the ruling found there was insufficient evidence to establish that the enterprise was financially sustainable enough to justify permanent residential accommodation in the countryside.
Detailed accounts, tax returns and a long-term business plan had not been provided, the ruling said. Concerns were also raised about the effect of the residential use on the surrounding rural landscape.
Farm's community work and history
Alpaca Acres has operated from the land since 2017 and is now registered as a non-profit Community Interest Company. The farm provides public experiences including alpaca walks, animal encounters and seasonal yoga sessions, and says it has worked with people connected to Help for Heroes, the NHS, the RAF, women's refuges, schools and care homes.
The farm is home to more than 100 animals, many of which Goulding says require daily or sometimes round-the-clock care. The original temporary permission for a mobile home was granted on appeal in 2018 for three years, when an inspector found there was an essential need for someone working with the alpacas to live on site, but the permission was made temporary because the fledgling business had not yet demonstrated lasting financial viability.
Petition and council response
Goulding has launched a petition as she continues fighting for a future at the farm. The Change.org petition has attracted hundreds of signatures.
Colchester City Council previously told Metro that officers had reviewed the application and concluded it did not meet all the requirements for a home on the site, including financial viability and long-term sustainability.
A council spokesperson said: "The council recognises that this is a matter of significant personal importance to those involved. However, planning decisions can only be based on material planning considerations and must be taken in accordance with the relevant planning policies and the evidence submitted as part of the application."
The spokesperson added: "The council's role in determining a planning application is separate from its responsibilities in relation to animal welfare licensing. Recognition of standards of animal welfare through schemes such as the PawPrints Awards does not override planning policy requirements or predetermine the outcome of planning applications."
Goulding said: "Now we are facing one of the hardest battles of our lives. The possibility of having to leave the land we call home is something I cannot begin to put into words." The council has been approached for further comment.
