A Howard County couple won zoning approval this week to hold events on their Woodbine horse farm, despite neighbors' concerns over traffic, noise and creeping commercialization.
Maxine and Robert Walker can hold up to 25 events, including weddings, birthday parties and other outdoor events on a 10-acre portion of Harwood Farm, which is surrounded by land protected by agricultural preservation laws, off Jennings Chapel Road.
The county Board of Appeals approved the conditional use, which also allows the Walkers to have up to 150 people attending with additional requirements to limit traffic, provide access for the disabled and follow an alcohol policy. The Walkers are also permitted to convert an existing shed to an antiques store.
Neighbors had appealed a previous decision by the county's hearing examiner that approved the zoning change in 2010.
The Walkers have said they plan to use funds from hosting private events and the store to continue to make renovations to their historic farm.
