Farm caravans remain in planning limbo

The planning application for the caravans at Rook Row Farm, Mathon, was submitted retrospectively

A council is yet to make a decision on the fate of 33 static caravans in Herefordshire - 12 months after a verdict was due.

Herefordshire Council gave itself until the end of March 2023 to decide whether or not to restrospectively allow the accommodation for seasonal workers at Rook Row Farm, Mathon.

During a consultation period, the bid drew more than 40 objections and about 20 letters of support.

The caravans sit close to the boundary of the Malvern Hills National Landscape.

Karen Humphries, of the Malvern Hills National Landscape, said the caravans went against national planning policy for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

But the NFU West Midlands horticulture board said accommodation for seasonal workers was needed.

The farm, run by A S Green and Co, said the site was used for general industrial, storage or distribution purposes rather than agricultural use.

Its main building was used to process, pack and distribute “significant amounts of produce not grown on A S Green’s agricultural holding”, bosses said.

The issue is set to be discussed by Mathon Parish Council on Tuesday.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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