Polytunnels need planning permission

19 December 2005

In a landmark decision a Planning Inspector has just ruled that polytunnels and associated mobile homes require planning permission. Their size, permanence and physical attachment to the land surface add up to a building operation which means they are subject to the same rules as other built development covered by planning. [1]

Commenting on this decision Tom Oliver, CPRE’s [2] Head of Rural Policy said:
‘This decision is very welcome news as it means that the construction of polytunnels will be determined in a transparent way by democratically elected local authorities. Polytunnels have their place in some rural landscapes but it is crucial that their location and extent respect the quality of local and nationally designated landscapes, as well as the wishes of all local communities.’

‘Waverley Borough Council has quite rightly concentrated on the wider issues of the quality of life and environment. They are to be congratulated and other local authorities can now follow their lead. Responsible growers and farmers will want to work with local communities to ensure conflicts are kept to a minimum.’

NOTE FOR EDITORS
Enforcement notices requiring the removal of polytunnels and associated mobile homes from Tuesley Farm, a 469 acre fruit farm near Godalming in Surrey, have been upheld on appeal after an 11 day Public Inquiry.

The Planning Inspector concluded [3] that, contrary to the contentions of the landowners, the polytunnels and mobile homes [4] required planning permission but refused to grant that permission.

Waverley Borough Council (the local planning authority), supported by local residents, CPRE Surrey, Guildford and Godalming Friends of the Earth and other organisations, took the enforcement action in defence of the Green Belt in an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) that is highly visible from the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). CPRE Surrey’s view, shared by Waverley Borough Council and local residents, is that the polytunnels, mobile homes and related equipment at Tuesley constitute an unsightly development that damages important open countryside of distinctive character and beauty.

Colin Hall who represented CPRE Surrey at the Inquiry said:
‘CPRE Surrey warmly welcomes this decision, and the recognition of the value, both to the local and wider community, of this attractive landscape at Tuesley and the surrounding area. It is a great success for the policies designed to protect and enhance the Surrey Hills AONB and its adjoining AGLV as well as for the local residents campaign group, CPRE Surrey and Waverley Borough Council.

‘We particularly welcome the conclusion that the development requires planning permission. We told the Inquiry that, in our view, it would be an absurd result if major developments, such as those at Tuesley Farm, were not to be subject to the system of public scrutiny provided for by the planning legislation.’

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