Herefordshire Council’s planning committee meeting has given a controversial plan to house seasonal workers at Woodfields Farm the green light, albeit with a catch.

Ben Savidge, the owner of the farm near Weston under Penyard, had applied to increase the number of caravans for fruit-pickers from 19 to 40, with 11 of those being relocated from another farm.

In addition, a previously approved workers’ welfare building would be relocated within the farm, providing indoor leisure facilities and an outdoor barbecue area.

Despite concerns from Weston Under Penyard parish council about public rights of way being obstructed, and complaints from local residents about noise and sewage, the application was approved for a period of five years, during which any issues will be reconsidered.

The agent for the farm, Julie Joseph, emphasized that the plan would bring no increase in farm traffic, and that consolidating the accommodation of seasonal workers on-site would actually lead to a net cut in vehicle movements. She also pointed out that the pandemic and Brexit have made it difficult to find suitable labour for fruit picking, making it important to provide improved facilities for seasonal workers.