The Planning Committee of Herefordshire Council has approved S&A’s planning applications for polytunnels, seasonal workers' accommodation and associated facilities at its Brierley site.

The decision follows an extensive process of consultation with the neighbouring community and council officers.

The decision follows planning approval for permanent polytunnels at S&A’s Marden site and, combined, this now means the company can move to using more efficient table-top techniques for growing strawberries. S&A hopes this will dramatically increase the efficiency of fruit growing in Herefordshire, allowing it to “continue its role as a major producer of local strawberries”.

The company said it “has worked extremely hard to listen to local residents and stakeholders over the past 12 months and to reflect their views in recently submitted plans” and said the decision was key in “helping to secure a stable and sustainable future for the company and significant economic benefits and jobs for the county”.

The installation of more efficient growing methods at Brierley will bring a number of other benefits, allowing S&A to reaffirm its role as one of Herefordshire’s largest employers and continue making an invaluable contribution to the local economy, as well as reducing the impact on local people, the landscape and the environment, as a result of a reduced number of polytunnels

Frank Green, managing director at S&A, said: “This is an extremely important decision for S&A Produce and we are very pleased with the outcome. We have worked very hard to consult with local people, to listen to what they have to say and to develop sensitive proposals that have taken their views into account. We are really pleased that these efforts have been recognised.

“Today’s decision will go a long way towards providing S&A with a sustainable future, where we can invest in the business, make environmental improvements and reduce local impacts, and continue providing jobs for local people - safe in the knowledge that we have the long-term permission that we need.”

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