A zoning appeal by Quite Hills Lavender Farm will not be heard on its previously agreed to date.

It was announced at Tuesday’s Lower Towamensing Township Board of Supervisors meeting that the hearing will not be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 10.

Township solicitor Jim Nanovic said that while it was agreed following the Aug. 21 zoning hearing board meeting that would be the date, that is no longer the case.

Nanovic added that a new date has not been set for the continued hearing on Christopher and Sheri Anthony’s request to use their property at 1995 Hemlock St. for agritourism.

Resident Steve Meining asked if the public is allowed to ask questions, to which Nanovic offered a response.

“The public doesn’t have the right to ask questions unless they have party status (to participate in the proceedings),” Nanovic said. “If a member of the public asks to speak, I (usually) have them get sworn in.”

Nanovic told Meining that the township’s zoning hearing board has previously indicated that it wants to give the audience a chance to participate during the proceedings.

Only Chris Anthony testified during the zoning appeal by Quiet Hills Lavender Farm, and for the second time in less than a month, the hearing was again delayed.

The dispute involves a building approved for agricultural use that township officials say has been expanded for public use without proper permits.

The Anthonys argue agritourism is allowed in the zoning district and are appealing a Jan. 29 permit denial.

Zoning officer Duane Dellecker said the couple was issued a permit for a storage building but the use has since “morphed into extended uses” without approval.

The Anthonys say they were told they needed a land development plan but have heard nothing further. Township officials insist no septic permit was denied and no plan has been submitted.

The Anthonys’ attorney, Susan Bucknum, also challenged a township planning commission memo opposing the appeal, arguing it violated the Sunshine Act and overstepped its authority.

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

Anthony said an application was made to construct a 40-foot by 80-foot pole barn, which has since been constructed.

The primary use for the building would be agricultural, which is a permitted use in a rural conservation district.

Anthony said they have about 7,000 plants on the farm.

He said they already offer farm tours to guests. Other uses they would consider in addition to crafting classes, yoga, religious retreats, business meetings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, graduation ceremonies and weddings.

Anthony said they have conducted crafting classes, yoga, picnics and photography sessions in the lavender fields.

People who need to use restrooms are shuttled to the main building.

He said they have partnered with several local businesses that use some of their lavender products at their businesses.

About 75 people packed the township’s administration building for the first hearing July 31. Many were sworn in but never received a chance to testify.