Polytunnels are used to grow frost-sensitive fruit

A recent ruling in England means councils south of the border will be able to force farmers to apply for planning permission for the tunnels.

In Scotland the temporary structures retain an agricultural exemption from the planning system.

Campaigner Bill Wright said while the issue needed to be examined, planning permission might not be the solution.

Thousands of acres across the UK are covered by polytunnels, used to grow frost-sensitive fruit.

In England a number of campaigns have been run to have their use regulated.

Following local objections to tunnels near Guildford, a government-appointed planning inspector decided the farm should have no agricultural exemption.