PLANNING chiefs have given the go-ahead for an ambitious scheme to meet the growing demand for pick-your-own soft fruit at Kenyon Hall Farm, Croft.
They have approved plans for a phased development of 13 additional Spanish tunnels.
The farm – which has long been selling direct to the public – already has seven poly tunnels which have extended the season for picking soft fruit to 5-6 months, compared to the traditional method of growing in the open, which is still practised on the farm but has a season of only 6-7 weeks – less if the weather is bad.
But despite the existing tunnels, the farm has struggled to meet demand and has, on occasions, been forced to ration fruit.
The farm also produces arable crops, including potatoes and cereals and during the COVID-19 lockdown have been able to continue to safely supply fresh fruit and vegetables to local families.
