Rural residents' objections to the polytunnels used by farmers all round the country could spell the end of an almost year-round supply of homegrown fruit for the UK's public.
The High Court's decision to uphold the ruling of a Surrey Council could set a precedent and farmers across the UK may have to take down their crop-covers, wind breaks and temporary workers' accommodation.
Whilst farmers maintain that these structures are temporary, the High Court deemed that planning was necessary and one leading agricultural law specialist believes that if the judgment sets a precedent then this could have a significant impact on the £200million industry.
"Many people who move from the town to the countryside do so expecting unspoilt views but they must appreciate that they live in the commercial world of farming. Farmers are trying to meet consumer demand for year round fruit and polytunnels are an important part of that process," commented Serena Gowling of No5 Chambers.
"Polytunnels are only used for part of the year and they enable farmers to reduce the need for pesticides, making the growth of organic fruit easier. That benefits the environment and the consumer."
"Consumers demand good quality food all year round and have lost touch with seasonality. Farmers are sensitive to the impact of these structures and many growers implement a recognized code of practice for their use. It would be a huge blow to the British soft fruit industry if polytunnel use was widely restricted," added Serena.
Whilst the High Court's decision technically only applies to proposed developments on Green Belt land in Surrey, many local authorities faced with residents' complaints are likely to use it as a precedent.
"As a result farmers could now face having to gain planning permission before erecting polytunnels. However it is important that applications are judged on their individual merit so that genuine effects on the landscape and potential environmental damage are taken into account and the objections of residents dealt with proportionately."
