Herefordshire-based fruit grower Haygrove have criticised the decision of a Government Planning Inspector to dismiss its appeal against Herefordshire Council’s refusal of permission for polytunnels and worker caravans at its Mahollam Road farm in Huntington.
The company said that the decision means the council is “putting views ahead of food”.
In his report, Planning Inspector AA Philips stated that ‘the proposed polytunnels, like those already on neighbouring fields, would be prominent features within the local landscape from a range of sensitive receptors, and that existing polytunnels at the farm already ‘constitute a negative feature’ and ‘should not be taken as a precedent for future development of this type in the area’. They added that the caravans and trailer ‘already have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area’, and their use would disrupt its ‘general calmness’.
In a statement Haygrove added, ‘“Polytunnels have been part of [the] Huntington landscape for over 25 years. Our recent application was to add two fields to the five which have had permission for many years, to protect organic blueberries and an exciting new cherry variety, both already producing.
The NFU had supported the application, with Herefordshire County Adviser and Horticulture Lead Ali Parker commenting that polytunnels “are a vital part of the good news story that is soft fruit and horticulture production in Herefordshire and across the country as they allow crops to thrive protecting them from rainfall and poor weather.”
She added, “We need to see planning policies in place that encourage confidence, investment and growth for family farms in Herefordshire and beyond, which remain vital for food production, food security, communities and countryside.”
A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council said, “Following the successful outcome of the appeal, the council continues to liaise with the applicants and their agents, and is considering the appropriate course of enforcement action.” They added the council was “supportive of development for agriculture and food growing where there is no conflict with our Development Plan.”
Haygrove must now also remove ten caravans for worker accommodation which were part of a total plan for 18. Instead, the company will continue, ‘Bussing staff daily from Ledbury, though this increases traffic and carbon.’
The company added, “It is ironic that a council claiming to prioritise the environment makes decisions that damage food supply, sustainability and local economy. Let’s hope historians in 100 years don’t look back and say, “that was the time they put their view ahead of their food”.’
