Forest of Dean planning officers are recommending approval for a plan to cover 64 hectares at Newtown Farm, Newent, with polytunnels for raspberries, strawberries and lilies.

The recommendation comes despite 44 letters of objection from concerned residents, some of whom had their homes in Tewkesbury Road covered by loose sheets of polythene during the storm on October 27.

A petition containing 70 signatures from objectors has also been submitted to the council.

In view of public concerns, officers are recommending a time limit for the existence of the polytunnels, to the effect that all supports and fixings shall be removed by March 31, 2006.

In coming to their recommendation, officers took into consideration the Gloucestershire Structure Plan, which states: "The countryside's character, appearance and natural resources will be protected, unless the social and economic needs of the area outweigh such harm".

The applicant, Angus Davison, said: "The only viable option for the farm is in horticulture."

He said that there was diminishing viability for traditional crops of sugar beet, cereals, potatoes and lettuces. The development control and licensing committee will decide the application at the Council Offices, in Coleford, on Monday at 2pm.