Firm hopes for approval

A public inquiry into a refused planning application for the expansion of a mushroom farm in Southwell is expected to end today.

The inquiry, at Kelham Hall, was needed after Premier Mushroom Company, of Crew Lane, appealed against Newark and Sherwood District Council’s decision.

It opened on Tuesday when around 20 people attended in the public gallery.

In December 2007 the farm owner, Mr John Horgan, was granted permission by the district council for the expansion.

However, the application went back before the planning committee because committee members had wrongly been told that Nottinghamshire County Council highways department had withdrawn its objection to the application.

This was, however, not the case, although it did later withdraw the objection.

Councillors then refused permission for 12 new polytunnels, which would double the amount of tunnels on site.

The main issues considered at the inquiry were the affect that the proposed development would have on the surrounding area, highway issues relating to the amount and size of the lorries that would use Crew Lane and the impact it would have on nearby dwellings.

The planning inspector, Mrs Zoe Hill, said the inquiry would also look into flood risk and drainage issues as well as wildlife in the area.

The Premier Mushroom Company was represented by Mr Paul Brown, of Gray’s Inn Square, London.

In his opening statement he said he would be asking the inspector to allow the appeal and grant planning permission.

The district council was represented by Mr Richard Harwood QC.

Mr Robert Waite, of Freeth Cartwright, represented six statutory objectors to the application, including nearby residents.

A decision is expected in around six weeks.