Fruit farm expansion approved by South Norfolk Council

Plans for an expansion of a strawberry farm have been approved, five votes to four, despite some objections.

South Norfolk Council approved the move at Spring Farm in Hempnall.

It will see the erection of around 16 acres of additional glasshouse and a further seven acres of polytunnels.

The scheme is expected to produce around 750 tonnes of strawberries every year – the equivalent of around seven blue whales.

But neighbours called on SNC’s planning committee to reject the application at a recent meeting.

David Hook, chairman of Hempnall Parish Council, argued the application would increase traffic, and light pollution while also hurting the appearance of the area.

He said: “It will transform green fields into what is essentially an Industrial site, have negative impacts on drainage in an area which historically has big problems with drainage and it’s going to negatively impact public rights of way increase noise in the tranquil area and potentially destroy habitats.”

He also argued the lights in the greenhouses would increase “sky glow” from the site and extra staff would be required to keep the farm going, increasing traffic in the area.

Sean Charlton, the applicant, said: “The lighting of the site will be improved with modern LED downlighters and the new glasshouse screened, the lighting does not affect the wildlife as confirmed in the ecology report.”

He insisted no extra staff will be needed because the site will be made more efficient and easier to manage and extra traffic would be negligible.

The committee was split on the scheme with some highlighting the need for British-grown fruit.

Clayton Hudson said he was “very very uncomfortable” with the plan, arguing it brought no employment benefit for South Norfolk.

The application was approved five for to four against.