Mr Shorter said the polytunnels were essential for his crop

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council refused Adam Shorter planning permission for extra tunnels after 30 residents of Penshurst objected.

"It is absolutely appalling to desecrate the land and the areas of beauty," said resident Sue Streeter.

Mr Shorter said he would be appealing against the refusal of permission.

He said the polytunnels were essential to protect his crops, including strawberries and blackberries.

'Shouting loudest'

"We have to protect against wind and rain," he said. "If we didn't we would be unlikely to produce a crop that is marketable."

Penshurst shop owner Trevor Williams said the objectors were in a minority of residents.

"The people who are against it are the people who are shouting the loudest - the people who don't mind are not saying anything," he said..

But Nigel Myers, whose house and garden overlook the farm, said the polytunnels had ruined the valley.

"The glare from the sun on the tunnels in the morning is phenomenal," he said.

"When you look out of any of our windows your eye is immediately drawn to it. You can't look over to the other side of the beautiful valley."