Miriam Taylor

THE COUNTRYSIDE of Hadlow could soon be transformed if planning permission is granted for a giant polytunnel operation spanning six parishes.

Campaigners have spoken out against Hugh Lowe Farms, of Mereworth's, application for the 1,315-acre strawberry-growing site, which would feature 430 acres covered by plastic sheeting at any one time.

"There are a number of concerns, not just about the visual impact but also the wider environment," said Simon Evans of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, adding 183 acres would be permanently covered by the structures.

Mr Evans, a member of the CPRE Kent's Tonbridge and Malling district committee, said there had not been enough consultation for the proposed site at Mereworth's Baron's Place Farm.

He added the CPRE had lodged an objection against the application.

"We recognise polytunnels are an essential part of modern soft fruit growing practices," said Mr Evans, "but there has to be a balance between viability and the needs of the farmer and other considerations like the protection of the environment."

Mr Evans said there had been no assessments carried out for flood risk or landscape impact and no waste management plan created.

With the fruit growing on waist- high steel trestles, he added, the set-up would be "highly visually intrusive all year round".

Hadlow Parish Council chairman Ken Terry said there were concerns over the proposed size of the operation.

"There's a need for some polytunnels but the sheer amount proposed was far too great," he said.

Owner of Hugh Lowe Farms, Marion Regan, said they had received a lot of local support for the proposals, which would also affect Mereworth, Platt, Kings Hill, Wateringbury and East and West Peckham.

"We are a great source of employment to the local economy," she said, adding they were taking people's views "very seriously".

"We are the garden of England. My great-grandfather set up this farm."