NFU backs growers after court rules polytunnels were UNLAWFUL

The NFU has expressed extreme disappointment at the High Court’s judgment which upholds Waverley Borough Council’s enforcement notice for the removal of Spanish polytunnels at a Surrey Farm.

Hall Hunter Partnership at Tuesley farm, Milford, had argued that in law polytunnels are currently considered to be temporary structures and do not require planning permission. Additionally they argued, despite a planning inspector upholding Waverley Borough’s Enforcement Order to remove the structures, the inspector wrongly withheld planning permission.

The ruling, made today during the High Court Appeal, forces the farm to take down its polytunnels, windbreaks and temporary workers’ accommodation.

However the NFU is standing firmly behind a balanced use of crop covers, in particular the Spanish polytunnel, which play a vital role in extending the British soft fruit season, as well as reducing food miles and helping UK growers remain competitive against global imports.

NFU’s horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst said ‘The use of Spanish polytunnels by the British soft fruit industry is absolutely vital in allowing growers to provide consumers with the quality product they have come to expect.

“We are very concerned this decision may undermine growers’ confidence in the industry and make them think twice about expanding their business to meet the increasing demand for British grown berries.  

“The industry has shown it is sensitive to concerns raised by members of the public by developing a national code of practice for the use of all types of polytunnels in the soft fruit industry . From the January 1 2007 all growers will be required to comply with the code as it becomes a part of the Assured Produce guidelines”.

Despite the disappointing decision, the NFU remains convinced it is important the industry continues to work with the planning system at all levels to ensure there is understanding, as well as support, of the importance of crop covers in the soft fruit sector.      

Notes

1.       Crop covers for soft fruits extend the UK growing season for fruits like strawberries, raspberries and cherries and meet consumer demand, which would otherwise be met by imports from the USA or Europe.

2.       Polytunnels and crop covers are acknowledged to reduce the need for pesticides, help produce and develop organic varieties and increase and strengthen rural communities by employing additional workers throughout the extended season.

 (16/12/06)