A LANDOWNER in Seatle, near Grange, has been dealt a double whammy after a planning refusal for a polytunnel was served alongside an enforcement notice.
An application was submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) in February to construct a steel and polythene-clad polytunnel in an open field owned by Mr Jonathan Aspden, that borders Seatle Wood, a designated Ancient Semi Natural Woodland.
The polytunnel would have been 2.4 metres in height, 4.2 metres wide and its length would be 6.1 metres, and used "to grow fruit, vegetables, plants and salads to sell in the local area at farmer markets", according to the applicant.
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Formal objections were lodged, on the basis that the development would be in an open field far from any existing development, there were no facilities nearby such as tool storage, toilets or water, and the landowner lives 60 miles away and so would have to travel to the site by vehicle.
Concerns were also raised about the introduction of non-native tree pests and diseases, and that the appearance would be highly visible and incongruous with the rural nature of the site, and the site is landlocked with the only access across the middle of a neighbouring field.
The notice also states that there are developments at the site that are already the subject of a LDNPA enforcement notice, "complaints have been made prior to this application regarding the caravans being sited without planning permission.
"The application does not show developments that have already taken place.
"These include a large static caravan crudely clad in wood, another large green static caravan, large adventure playground and metal hoops for the polytunnel."
The applicant stated: "The land is used for agricultural purposes, we acquired the land in May 2021.
"We have been clearing the land of shrubs, fallen trees, overgrown grass etc since May, trying to prepare the land so part of it is suitable for the growing of plants, fruit and vegetables.
"We have also planted tree saplings around the site.
Photographs taken by local residents show the existing development on the field that is subject to the enforcement notice, and the frame for the proposed polytunnel on-site, that the applicant accept has already started to be constructed.
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