MADAM, I attended the planning committee meeting on October 13th, at which planning permission was granted for a large scale polytunnel development at Kings Caple, in the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Government policy is that the AONB is protected from such development. Also, Hereford Planning Services had recommended refusal because it is impossible to mitigate the harm caused to this protected landscape by the polytunnels.
I was therefore shocked that some of the councillors seemed completely unaware that it is their responsibility to protect and enhance the AONB. During their discussion, they made facile comments such as "I was short of food as a child, and therefore I vote for food", "It is dark for half of the time, so you won't always see them", and "It means more hedgerows will be planted, so I support it". (It was pointed out that the hedgerows would not hide the polytunnels!)
The AONB?is looked after by three different areas. The other two areas have joined together and recently applied for World Heritage Status. What is Hereford doing? The planning department is fully aware of its responsibilities, and made it clear that this development was totally inappropriate. However, our councillors have sold out our local treasure for the sake of one business.
The Wye Valley AONB was designated 39 years ago because it is an "internationally important protected landscape containing some of the most beautiful lowland scenery in Britain".
What have we done?
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