HEREFORDSHIRE'S largest strawberry grower was yesterday granted permission to expand its seasonal worker accommodation to around 900 people despite complaints of violence, theft and vandalism linked to the site, writes JONATHAN RUSSELL

Permission for two accommodation blocks, housing 120 workers, and 50 caravans at Brook House Farm will double the population of Marden village.

Concerns from village residents and the parish councils of Marden and Sutton centred on the workers' behaviour, the impact on the area and the lack of facilities on site.

Objections listed in the Herefordshire Council planning report include allegations of:

l Cars being stolen and burnt out.

l Lighting on site creating an atmosphere like 'living close to a prison camp.'

l Antisocial activity including parties, fireworks, violence and litter.

l Increased traffic.

l A history of retrospective planning being granted on the site.

The seasonal workers' accommodation will be the largest of its kind in the county with up to four workers per caravan and 60 in each of the two accommodation blocks.

It will push the number of foreign students at Brook Farm close to 1,000.

The mainly Eastern European workers are employed under the 'student agricultural workers scheme' (SAWS) allowing them to stay on the farm for a fixed period of 12 weeks.

However, there are fears students may then move on to look for work in other parts of the county.

Brook Farm, the largest 'undercover' strawberry grower in the country, has reacted to concerns by banning unauthorised parties, music played outdoors and fireworks. An Internet facility has been provided to improve facilities for the workers.

Moves that satisfied council officers the application should be granted.

The report states: "After very careful consideration of the objections raised, it is felt that neither of these schemes cause significant harm to justify refusal of the applications"

These applications follow refusal earlier this year for planning permission to convert former nursing and residential nursing home Stratford House, a large town house in Hereford, to a workers' hostel for Brook Farm.

Marden Parish Council states: "The application to convert a dwelling in Bodenham Road to a hostel has been rejected - how could approval for this application be considered consistent?"