by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—In the first of two public hearings on Wednesday, January 27, the Northumberland board of supervisors unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP) authorizing Robert and Peggy Nolting to have 40 chickens on their residential waterfront property.
Nolting said the property at 1678 Clarketown Road, Heathsville, on Cod Creek, has been in the family and farmed for generations. Prior to the public hearing, Nolting said he had moved the run and coop outside of the resource protection area (RPA) and no longer had roosters as part of the flock. He said he had also spoken to the four adjacent property owners and “they all approved.”
Nearby property owner David Irwin objected during the hearing, saying, “With extensive areas for farming, there is no compelling reason why farming should be extended into residential areas, especially waterfront communities.” Four other nearby property owners also objected in writing….[to-view-more]