A Shropshire couple will have to wait two months to hear if they will be allowed to continue living on their eco-friendly farm.

Janta and Marav Wheelhouse have lived in a caravan on Karuna, their 18-acre site at Picklescott, near Shrewsbury, since moving out of their Bayston Hill house in 2005.

They claim they have to be on site to maintain their land and the thousands of trees they have planted.

But planning officers from Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council have refused permission for them to remain there.

Their appeal has been aired at a four-day public inquiry at Shrewsbury’s Guildhall which finished yesterday.

Ieuen Williams, an agricultural consultant, told the inspector yesterday he could see no reason for the couple having to live on site.

“It’s a hindrance but it’s not essential to live on site,” he said.

“Trees cover 15 per cent of the holding and there is absolutely no need to live on the holding to look after the trees – they look after themselves.

“I appreciate that they have a holistic ethos but no-one has explained to me why the component parts add up to any more than a mixed farming unit.”

Brian Cox, speaking on behalf of Mr and Mrs Wheelhouse, said the couple were hoping to be allowed to remain on site at the moment to continue to run courses for schools and other visitors.

He said they were not asking for permanent planning permission for the site at the moment.

“Janta and Marav are asking for three years’ temporary permission to see if the project can work and get off the ground,” he said.

“The council suggests 18 months if a decision is made to allow them to stay, but three years is essential and anything less than that is unfair.”

Independent planning inspector Claire Sherratt has visited the site and will announce her decision in mid-January.

By Pam Griffin