S&A Produce is to host drop-in sessions to display plans for its operations at Brierley Court Farm after a significant scaling back of its plans for the site.

S&A hopes to significantly reduce the amount of polytunnels and workers' accommodation with a view to enhancing the long-term sustainability of its business.

Following changes to S&A management and a subsequent review of the business, which included further consultation with local residents, S&A took the decision to reduce its proposed operations at Brierley last month.

And last week, the firm moved to dispel rumours of significant difficulties in the trade, stating that it wanted the business to become more sustainable in Herefordshire, without “the distraction of poor community relations”.

The company is giving local residents the opportunity to learn more about amended plans for its Brierley site by holding a public exhibition on September 10, at Leominster Community Centre.

Frank Green, managing director at S&A, said: “As a result of a recent review of our business and ongoing discussions with the local community, we are looking to further consolidate our activities in Herefordshire to enhance sustainability and meet the expectations of local people. For this reason, we have taken the decision to significantly reduce the scale of our operations at Brierley.

“We have recently submitted amended planning applications to Herefordshire County Council, which will reduce the amount of polytunnels and workers' accommodation on this site by half of the amount proposed in our previous planning applications.

“We believe that a successful outcome of these revised applications would retain significant economic benefit for the county, while reducing visual impact as a result of fewer polytunnels being on site and reducing the number of seasonal workers in the area.

“Local opinion is very important to us and as we move forward, we want to work in partnership with the local community as much as possible. We are holding this drop-in session to give local people a chance to view our updated plans and to ask any questions they may have. I hope to see as many people as possible at Leominster Community Centre on September 10.”

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