Polytunnels Justification Statement

Application for Planning Approval part 16

13 JUL 2009

One, Twin span polytunnel is for display and sale of pots, compost and planted containers and hanging baskets. Terracotta pots become green with algae in wet weather were sales are slow and can be unsaleable unless scrubbed clean with bleach/algaecide. Wooden containers have only a short saleable time if displayed outside. All types of peat-free composts, and some peat-reduced composts gain weight in winter (and wet summers like last year) due to the polythene packaging being micro perforated, and can become a health and safety issue due to increased weight. Planted containers do not spoil in heavy rain if undercover, or blow over in wind. The exterior green net covering over fire-resistant polythene cuts down UV rays and increases the time that compost packaging resists fading, as well as making the cover less intrusive. Customers are more likely to visit if goods are dry in periods of wet weather, and ease the burden of a rush on a dry day.

Four smaller polytunnels, are for the production/growing of perennial plants. Due to a EU directive passed earlier this year (available to view on the internet ref: 91/4/14) all horticultural herbicides used for the prevention of weeds, mainly windblown seeds of Ragwort, Rose Bay Willowherb, Thistles, Dandelions, and Groundsel etc in container grown perennial will be withdrawn within 2 years. Only with some form of protected covering growing will be economical/feasible.

Two of these tunnels will be clad in a clear/translucent mesh (non reflective unlike polythene), which will prevent wind borne weed infestation, reduce wind damage, reduce winter chill and frost damage, also offer a reduction of insect damage.

One tunnel to be clad with a green mesh covering, offers the previous benefits and shade for plants, which prefer shady aspects of gardens.

One tunnel to be clad in a newly developed type of polythene, which filters out some of the light spectrum (Far-red light) to produce compact plants with short sturdy flower stems less likely to break in the wind, as well as a 8 year life, a slight green/blue tint in the polythene, and a reduction of high summer temperatures and no need to apply growth regulators.