The code also includes a checklist that should be completed by the grower 3 months prior to the intended day of tunnel erection. This checklist ensures the local authority is notified and also confirms that the grower has notified neighbours and the local parish council. Click here to get a copy of the polytunnel checklist.

The Voluntary Code of Practice

Stage 1
Growers are requested to complete the polytunnel checklist at least 3 months prior to the intended day of erection. The information provided by growers will be assessed by officers to determine if planning permission is required. Where it is evident the grower’s intention is that land should be covered by polytunnel for 6 months or more, or the growers indicates that the crop is not to be grown in the soil but in some other way, then it is likely the Planning Authority will request an application for planning permission to be submitted.

Stage 2
Where it is determined, on the information provided by the grower, that planning permission is not required; the grower is requested to confirm compliance with the code by:

• Ensuring polytunnels are sited a minimum distance of 30m from any dwelling not associated with agriculture,
• Within designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing landscape impact assessment of their proposal and where appropriate mitigation measures,
• Giving notice to the Parish Council and adjacent neighbours,
• Undertaking to avoid operating prior to 7.00 a.m. or after 8.00 p.m. close to residents. This includes traffic movement or other agricultural activity likely to cause disturbance and/or nuisance,
• Including a method statement for the control of surface water to prevent overflow onto local road systems or into a local watercourse,
• Indicating their intended method of disposal of waste polythene.

Herefordshire Council established the above code

Address details:

Planning Services
P.O. Box 230
Blueschool House,
Blueschool Street
Hereford
HR1 2ZB