A FRUIT grower from Herefordshire has finally won a controversial planning battle that has raged for nearly a decade.

Neil Cockburn, whose family have farmed in the county for decades, says he can now focus on safeguarding jobs and producing strawberries and raspberries at Pennoxstone Court Farm in Kings Caple after being told a legal challenge had been withdrawn.

But opponents had fought the plans saying the Wye Valley should not become an industrial landscape.

Mr Cockburn's planning battle has been going on since 2006 because the farm is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

His application to retain 25 hectares of polytunnels, which he says the business needs to survive, was initially approved by Herefordshire Council’s Planning Committee but has been the subject of a judicial review, appeals and other legal wrangling in the years since.

Last summer a planning inspector granted approval for the plastic tunnels, which are used to protect crops and extend the growing season, but an appeal was made to the High Court.

But in the past week, Mr Cockburn and his wife Izabella received an order from the High Court to confirm the objectors’ appeal was withdrawn and the legal process finished.

“We have had confirmation from the High Court that the appeal action has been withdrawn which means that there is now no possibility of any further legal action to dislodge the substantive planning permission granted by the inspector last summer," said Mr Cockburn.

“As part of the local community we look forward to working positively with our neighbours and continuing to produce delicious, nutritious strawberries and raspberries with the help of the farm’s 150 hard-working staff.

“This has been a real battle and it has been desperately disappointing to see so many obstructions to our very existence, instead of pro-active support to an established family business which creates jobs and produces a great product.

“Aside from the strain and pressure on us and the business this whole affair has been a scandalous waste of public and other money and has been shown by the planning inspector to be absolutely unnecessary and ill-advised."

The National Farmers Union (NFU) said the decision was vital for the rural economy as it would help to secure the business’ future, benefit the rural economy and be a big boost to county horticulture.

“Farmers and growers are custodians of rural areas but we must also remember that the countryside is a working landscape," said Sarah Faulkner, the NFU's environment and rural affairs adviser.

"The NFU works closely with planning authorities and while this has been quite a process we are pleased as this is a victory for this business and Herefordshire horticulture.

“Our members do a great job in terms of food and jobs and play a key role in supporting the rural economy.”

NFU regional director Rob Newbery, meanwhile, said polytunnels are "a vital part of the good news story that is the region’s soft fruit and horticulture sector".

“These structures allow growers to compete with foreign imports, keep food miles down and offer shoppers a great tasting, local product," he said.