Brook Farm polytunnel application turned down

Herefordshire Council has turned down proposals to retain 35.5 hectares of polytunnels at S & A Davies` Brook Farm site in Marden.

The polytunnels are used to grow strawberries on raised beds and require planning permission due to their permanent siting on the land. This approach to growing differs from the more widely used temporary siting of polytunnels over soil grown crops.

The application to retain the polytunnels, which had attracted more than 100 objections, was considered at a meeting of the central area planning sub-committee when it met on Wednesday this week, October 18, in front of a packed public gallery.

The Parish Council expressed concern over the wider environmental impact on the area as well as the presence of the operation so close to the village, the effect on local water supply and a possible increase in lorry and farm vehicle traffic.

Neighbouring residents had also complained about the adverse effect of noise early in morning and late in the evening, which was affecting their lives.

After an hour-long debate, committee members refused the application, based on the detrimental impact that the polytunnels would have on the character of the landscape and the setting of Marden.