S&A Produce has massively reduced its redevelopment plans as its new owner focuses on improving community relations.
The Herefordshire strawberry supplier had faced local objections to its plans for 67ha of fixed polytunnels and accommodation for up to 1,000 seasonal staff at Brierley, and has now scaled back the plans to 35ha of tunnels and accommodation for 500 staff.
The rethink followed the sale of the business to local farmer Frank Green in July, said finance director Trevor Gregory. "Frank's approach is about living comfortably with our neighbours."
The planned reduction of scale raises questions over whether S&A will be able to meet predicted demand from supermarkets. However, Gregory insisted the plans would allow S&A to produce the same volumes next year as it had this season. In the meantime, S&A was looking for other smaller sites where it could expand, he said.
The Herefordshire strawberry supplier had faced local objections to its plans for 67ha of fixed polytunnels and accommodation for up to 1,000 seasonal staff at Brierley, and has now scaled back the plans to 35ha of tunnels and accommodation for 500 staff.
The rethink followed the sale of the business to local farmer Frank Green in July, said finance director Trevor Gregory. "Frank's approach is about living comfortably with our neighbours."
The planned reduction of scale raises questions over whether S&A will be able to meet predicted demand from supermarkets. However, Gregory insisted the plans would allow S&A to produce the same volumes next year as it had this season. In the meantime, S&A was looking for other smaller sites where it could expand, he said.
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