The long-awaited decision on whether to allow more polytunnels to be erected at a farm in Kings Caple will finally go back before Herefordshire Council's Planning Committee next Wednesday (April 24th).

Last October, Kings Caple resident Rene Keogh successfully sought a Judicial Review at the High Court after the Herefordshire Council Planning Committee originally voted in favour of the planning application at Pennoxstone Court Farm (100966), by nine votes to eight, in October 2010, despite a petition signed by 106 residents being submitted. The Council's decision also countermanded the recommendation of refusal from the planning officer, and fell within an exception "relating to the protection and enhancement of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". It is thought that the judgement cost the Council in the region of £100,000.

Speaking on behalf of over 500 residents who oppose the development, David Williams said: "Herefordshire Council has the chance to avoid a similar debacle when the matter comes back for reconsideration. This is a critical moment in the long running struggle by a large number of local parishioners to stop the polytunnels that have defaced this beautiful part of Herefordshire."

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.