Spanish Polytunnel

Spanish Polytunnels

Soft fruit growing in the UK: Agricultural Development

Polytunnel - Strawberry Picking Building on the knowledge and expertise acquired since being appointed Panel Planning Consultants for the National Farmers Union, originally for the Midlands Region and subsequently, following reorganisation, for the East Midlands, Antony Aspbury Associates Limited has carved out a high profile professional niche for itself in dealing with proposals for the erection of ‘Spanish Polytunnels’ over soft fruit crops.

So-called Spanish Polytunnels (developed, as the name suggests, in Spain) have become indispensible to the UK soft fruit sector - producing mainly Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries.

These polytunnels, which comprise a hooped lightweight steel frame, over which a clear polythene cover is drawn and secured, are used primarily to provide protection against rain damage to the ripening fruit, but also confer other operational benefits. By extending the British soft fruit season (which now runs from May to October) and by enhancing the quality of the fruit produced, ensuring that it is to a consistently high quality and in the quantities demanded by customers (primarily the major supermarkets) Spanish polytunnels have revolutionised the indigenous soft fruit industry. This has not only meant that producers have been able to ride the wave of increasing demand for soft fruit from UK consumers, but it has led to almost complete import substitution during the UK season, leading to a significant saving in ‘food miles’.

Polytunnel - Stawberry Picking Polytunnels have, however, proved controversial, attracting strident criticism and vehement opposition in some quarters.

We have been heavily involved in the town planning issues raised by the use of Spanish polytunnels and by related development, such as the accommodation for the seasonal agricultural workers (mainly recruited overseas) who are required in large numbers to pick and pack the fruit, from the outset.

We have acted for many of the largest growers in the sector in two of the main growing areas in the UK – Herefordshire and Kent/Surrey. The Practice gave evidence to the public local inquiry into the appeal by the Hall Hunter Partnership in respect of Tuesley Farm, Godalming, Surrey, which, after a judicial review in the High Court of the Secretary of State’s decision on the Appeal, became the seminal case in establishing whether planning permission was required for these polytunnels. Subsequently we have dealt with a large number of planning applications and appeals (many highly contentious) aimed at regularising the use of polytunnels.

We are pleased to say that after a considerable hiatus period the majority of growers have secured the requisite planning permissions and are able to operate their businesses with certainty and confidence (see News & Views 2010).