Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033

E3 Food Production and Glasshouses

  • New or replacement glasshouses, any ancillary packhouse development and any ancillary low carbon energy generation facilities including combined heat and power will be permitted subject to the following criteria:
    1. the scheme does not have a significant visual impact upon the character of the landscape particularly with regard to longdistance views;
    2. the planning application includes full details of landscaping, including trees and other vegetation which will be retained or removed;
    3. the land is capable of being developed without major changes to existing site contouring;
    4. vehicular access from the site to the highway network is adequate and uses roads capable of accommodating any vehicle movements generated by the development without detriment to highway safety, the rural character of the roads, and residential amenity;
    5. adequate surface water and foul drainage capacity exists or can be provided as part of the development. The Council may require inclusion of suitable and adequately maintained sustainable drainage systems to control the quality or attenuate the rate of surface water runoff;
    6. adequate quality and quantity of provision of water is available or can be provided onsite, for all domestic and non-domestic purposes; and
    7. any energy generation facilities do not impact on the integrity of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation in accordance with the requirements of Policy DM2.
  • Within glasshouse sites, residential accommodation for workers will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
    1. there is clear and robust evidence which shows that the on-site accommodation is required for operational purposes and is therefore ancillary to the glasshouse use. This includes proposals to convert or extend existing on-site structures to provide for such accommodation; and
    2. there is no other alternative suitable accommodation within a reasonable distance from the glasshouse site, including by purchasing and renting of an existing residential property for use as a House in Multiple Occupation or hostel; and
    3. the quality, size and nature of the proposed structure is commensurate with the needs of the enterprise concerned; and
    4. any permission for such accommodation will be strictly tied by either a planning condition or planning obligation to ensure that the accommodation will only be occupied by horticultural workers employed by the relevant enterprise; and
    5. any new and freestanding structures will be removed or demolished once the need for such accommodation ceases and the land will be reinstated to agricultural use; and
    6. where applicable, any permission will lead to the removal of existing temporary accommodation and prevent temporary accommodation on the site in future.

For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033