114 jobs saved after polytunnels passed

Herefordshire County Council has given approval for crops to be grown in polytunnels at a farm near King’s Caple, following a committee hearing at which an NFU adviser spoke on behalf of the applicant.

Planners had recommended that a ten-year application, by Neil Cockburn, of Pennoxstone Court Farm, be refused. Mr Cockburn said that would mean the loss of 14 full time and 100 part time jobs, along with a £3million contribution to the local economy.

NFU policy adviser Ivan Moss supported his stance, adding that the tunnels would have no permanent impact on the environment and were essential to the business.

The committee had received more than 100 letters and a 300-signature petition in support of the Mr Cockburn, but also heard strong objections from residents based on the development’s position within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Access via narrow country lanes was also a concern. The application was passed by a slim majority.