S&A Produce is waiting for the results of a planning decision this week that it hopes will give the green light for plans at its Brierley site.

The Herefordshire-based firm recently submitted planning applications to reduce the amount of polytunnels and workers’ accommodation at Brierley Court Farm by almost 50 per cent and the proposals will come before the Central Planning Committee at Herefordshire County Council on Friday.

Frank Green, managing director at S&A, said: “I joined S&A’s management team in April and since then, we have been focusing on creating a long-term, sustainable future for the company. Having grown up in Herefordshire and worked in the farming industry for many years, I understand the importance of striking a balance between providing jobs and quality local produce, while at the same time ensuring local people are not negatively affected.

“This is a balance we are trying to strike with S&A. Over the past 12 months, we have been talking to local people and have learned a lot. We are committed to reducing the impacts that our business has on the local community and the environment, and consolidating our operations at Brierley will allow us to do this.

“I am hoping this week will be a turning point for S&A. We have worked hard to develop these proposals and we feel they put us on a very strong footing for improving our business and benefiting local people. However, in order to implement these changes at Brierley, we need planning permission. I hope the planning committee recognises the work we have undertaken to reach this point, and I am very hopeful of a positive outcome on Friday.”

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