Farmers who use polytunnels, the controversial plastic crop protectors, are facing tighter regulations on their use in Herefordshire. The temporary structures do not need normal planning permission and have been criticised by environmentalists.
Growers must now submit a landscape impact statement. Previously this only applied in places classed as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Planning permission will also be needed if the structures remain for two years.
Herefordshire Council said it consulted growers, environmental officers and members of the public before coming up with the new code of practice
It admits the code is something of a stopgap measure until the Government brings in official legislation. .
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