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The facts about our use of polytunnels

HUGH LOWE FARMS  June 10th 2009                                                                                                                                    
We have used polytunnels to protect our soft fruit crops for 20 years:
o to protect developing crops from frost, and fruit from rain, hail and wind
o to minimise pest and disease pressure so reducing the need to spray
o to create a pleasant working environment for pickers
o to extend the growing season so replacing imported fruit
o to provide our customers with reliable supply.                                                                                                            
Planning permission is not required for all tunnels; it is up to each Local Planning Authority (LPA) to determine whether a particular farm requires permission.
 

HUGH LOWE FARMS      June 10th 2009

We have used polytunnels to protect our soft fruit crops for 20 years:
o to protect developing crops from frost, and fruit from rain, hail and wind
o to minimise pest and disease pressure so reducing the need to spray
o to create a pleasant working environment for pickers
o to extend the growing season so replacing imported fruit
o to provide our customers with reliable supply.

Planning permission is not required for all tunnels; it is up to each Local Planning Authority (LPA) to determine whether a particular farm requires permission.

Our application is a whole farm application to limit the acreage of tunnels on the farm to that used currently. It was submitted in December 2008 and is currently being considered by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC). We have discussed the plans with each Parish Council, attended meetings and listened to concerns of organizations and individuals. TMBC have now asked us to add some information before our application is considered at a Planning Committee meeting. We will address all the issues that have been raised such as:

• Extent of the tunnels:
This will not be an expansion of the covered area. The proportion of farmland under tunnels has remained the same since 2004, at around 30%. The actual area of tunnels has slightly increased in the last few years because the total area of land we farm was increased in 2005. We do not propose to further increase either the total area or the proportion covered in any one calendar year. Not all the tunnels are up at once, the covering period varies from 5 weeks to 35 weeks. The majority of plantings are covered for around 14 – 26 weeks.

• Type of tunnels:
Most of the acreage is under rotational cropping. Rotational tunnels are erected over the growing crop and are removed at the end of the plantation’s life. Successional tunnels are erected over table tops supporting strawberries growing in grow-bags at shoulder height, or over cane fruit growing in pots. These remain in place whilst the crops are replanted in situ.  Tunnels are not permanent structures. They are steel hoops inserted into legs screwed into the ground. There is no concreting or anything permanent or irrevocable. The fields identified as suitable for successional tunnels are those with the lowest impact on landscape or residential amenity, and some have been in place for a number of years already. The photographs of table tops in the CPRE /WPPC reports are not of this farm.

• Visual impact:
This part of Tonbridge and Malling Borough is an undulating horticultural landscape, traditionally cropped with fruit. The fields are small and enclosed by hedges and windbreaks. Views from vantage points and around conservation areas are taken into account in the assessment of fields suitable for tunnels. Further plantings of trees, windbreaks and hedges are proposed. Footpaths are respected and not covered by tunnels.

• Effects on biodiversity and wildlife:
Our farm favours the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity due to the overwintering of crops and the network of hedges, headlands and windbreaks around our small fields. We work with the RSPB, FWAG and LEAF (and lately the Kent Wildlife Trust) to preserve and enhance the many wildlife habitats on the farm.

• Use of pesticides and fertilizers
There are strict legal requirements for the safe and responsible use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Through LEAFMarque and Assured Produce, we are accredited under the highest standards available and audited annually by an independent third party.  The trout farm incident referred to in the objections occurred in the 1980s several years before HLF acquired the farm.

• Water run off
A flood risk assessment is being discussed with the Environment Agency. Ditches and drains are maintained around the farm. West Peckham itself benefits from a drainage system which collects drainage water and channels it into the farm reservoir, for use as irrigation water.

• Traffic and nuisance from noisy pickers.
Management plans address the issue of noise. There is no increased traffic from the proposals.

• Labour
Seasonal workers come from many different EU countries for the harvest and are accommodated on the farm. We plan labour requirements several months in advance but always welcome job applications from local residents.

• Reduction of West Peckham’s income from tourism
There is little evidence of substantial tourist income for West Peckham and no evidence that it is reduced as a consequence of our fruit farming activity.

• Waste
We have a comprehensive Waste Management Plan independently audited by a third party through LEAFMarque. All polythene is 100% recycled. There are no waste dumps. The photographs taken are of deliberately windrowed composting grow bags which were dealt with shortly thereafter. Any localized problems are swiftly dealt with.

• Residential amenity and footpaths
Fields suitable and not suitable for tunnels are identified in the application and proximity to village centres is taken into account. Footpaths and bridleways are respected and maintained by the farm. Management plans address the issue of noise from polythene by ensuring covers are inspected regularly and remain taut.

• NFU code
We will undertake to observe the ‘30m rule’.

• Local food, food miles and carbon efficiency
We meet local and UK demand and do not export, but substitute for imported berries. Seasonal workers travel here from many different countries for the harvest and are accommodated on the farm, so travel to and from work is minimised. Coir used in the successional planting systems is a sustainably-produced growing medium increasingly used in horticulture and replaces peat which is not a sustainable growing medium. People prefer locally grown produce because it has travelled less far, is fresher and tastier and buying it supports the local economy.

• Infrastructure
No additional infrastructure is required. All exists with planning permission where required.

• Economic benefits to West Peckham village and other communities
Hugh Lowe Farms is recognized world-wide as a leading soft fruit farm. It contributes many millions of pounds into the local Kent economy, and significant amounts to businesses in Tonbridge and Malling Borough.

Staff meetings and Christmas parties have been held in the Swan at West Peckham and we have taken customers and visitors - from all over the world – to The Swan and other local pubs for business lunches. We employ many people from local villages, including 37 full time. These include young career horticulturalists with valued skills, many of whom have qualifications from agricultural colleges and universities.

Many walkers and horse riders, as well as those participating in other activities, use parts of the farm with permission, as well as the footpaths and bridleways.

Mereworth and East Peckham schools are supported with donations of fruit and information about farming. Many other community events are supported . Also, like all farmers, we support village life by helping to deal with day to day incidents such as accidents or fallen trees, which require skilled assistance and farm equipment.

MFR 10/6/09