A zoning hearing set for later this month could determine the fate of Quiet Hills Lavender Farm in Lower Towamensing Township.

The business posted on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon that it’s seeking support to preserve its agritourism vision.

A zoning appeal by Quiet Hills Lavender Farm will go before the township’s zoning hearing board at 7 p.m. July 31.

Supervisors earlier this month agreed to have township solicitor Jim Nanovic send a letter to schedule/conduct a zoning hearing.

“After building a beautiful barn — affectionately named The Gathering Place — to house the farm shop, restrooms, dry lavender, host workshops, tours, farm experiences and seasonal activities, the farm has faced unexpected resistance,” the post states. “Township officials are not supporting the farm’s request to host Agritourism events. As a result, Quiet Hills Lavender Farm is required to attend an upcoming zoning hearing to seek permission to carry out its vision.”

The post notes that the barn offers a “more comfortable and handicapped accessible farm shop and restroom facilities for our guests. It’s a larger space to dry and process our lavender and other harvests, a climate controlled area to accommodate visitors and activities during poor weather conditions.”

The farm posted: “The space can also serve as a welcoming place where people come together. It’s meant to nurture connection, community and celebration in a natural, peaceful setting. The farm was opened up to the public to share with those who appreciate natural beauty, community and a slower place of life.

“In addition to lavender-inspired workshops and farm tours, we have received growing requests from community members to use the space for special gatherings — milestone moments like baby showers, bridal events, small weddings, reunions and memorials. These requests come from people looking for a heartfelt and meaningful place to celebrate life’s most important moments. We’d like to offer the space and do it the right way with safety, integrity and township support.”

Quiet Hills Lavender Farm added it’s asking “supporters to attend the hearing and help advocate for a place that seeks to bring people together and adds value to the community and surrounding area.

“Your support could determine whether the farm continues to grow or it’s forced to close its gates. Together we can help preserve the peace, purpose and potential of Quiet Hills.”

Quiet Hills Lavender Farm owners Chris and Sheri Anthony filed an appeal, challenging the zoning officer’s Jan. 29 permit denial and requesting alternate relief.

The dispute centers on a building originally permitted for agricultural use that the township says has expanded into public uses without proper approval.

Duane Dellecker, zoning and code enforcement officer, said the problem was that “they were issued a permit for a storage building for them to deal with their lavender, making their oils, and at the time it was not a public building, (but it) has since morphed into extended uses and we’re not aware of those uses.”

The Anthonys said they planted lavender in 2017 and now welcome hundreds of visitors.

The farm, once used for religious retreats, was purchased by the couple in 2015.

Chris Anthony said they received a building permit in January 2024, but were later told by an engineer that their septic permit was denied and a land development plan was needed. He said they had not heard from the township since.

Nanovic and other officials clarified that no plan has been submitted and that the township has not denied their septic permit. Township officials also said they need a clear understanding of the property’s intended uses.

Sheri Anthony questioned whether the township was trying to force them to sell.

Officials denied that claim, stating their goal is to follow proper procedures. Planning commission member Angela Farrell and board of supervisors Chairperson Connie Brown emphasized that no land development plan had been received and that the board had limited prior knowledge of the situation.

Dellecker reaffirmed that the building was approved for agricultural purposes only.