Haygrove chairman slams planning decision on polytunnels

A council decision to block the planning application for three polytunnels for protected fruit production and on-site worker caravans has been denounced as a step backwards in Britain’s food self sufficiency.

Berry and stonefruit supplier Haygrove has lost its planning battle with Herefordshire Council, and is now subject to an enforcement order to remove caravans and end works to install new polytunnels. The company lodged two planning applications for the work last year, which had local opposition, according to local media outlet Hereford Times.

In a statement, chairman Angus Davison said: “Polytunnels have been part of Huntington landscape for over 25 years. Our recent application was to add two fields to five which have had permission for many years, to protect organic blueberries and an exciting new cherry variety, both already producing.

“Without covers, good fruit is periodically destroyed by weather, as this year with hail - meaning Britain imports more instead of feeding itself. An unwise national situation given the clear climate projections.”

Davison said the company will remove the caravans and “continue bussing staff daily from Ledbury, though this increases traffic and carbon”.

He added that: “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’.”

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council said: “The Planning Inspectorate agreed with the council’s assessment and therefore the appeal was dismissed. Herefordshire Council is committed to protecting the integrity of the River Lugg and River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and lowering the risk of water flooding and pollution into the local environment. We are supportive of development for agriculture and food growing where there is no conflict with our development plan.”