Kent’s biggest fruit producer has gained planning permission to install polytunnels across 57 acres of farmland in Canterbury.

FW Mansfield & Son says the crop protectors are “vital” in continuing the firm’s success.

The company has chosen Nackington Farm, off Church Lane in Nackington, as the prime location for development.

It is relocating polytunnels from a nearby base in Middle Pett Farm, which is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Due to Middle Pett’s location in the AONB, Mansfields says the city council suggested moving the polytunnels.

Now, eight months after submitting an application to cover 23.5 hectares in Nackington, the company has gained the green light for its plans.

A separate scheme for more polytunnels across numerous fields in Chartham was approved last December despite a number of objections from concerned locals.

The Nackington proposal, however, did not receive any objections from neighbours - and council planning officers have now given the full seal of approval.

In granting permission, they said: “The use of polytunnels in the soft fruit industry has increased over time and the benefits of using polytunnels are vast - guaranteeing a supply to customers, improving the quality of fruit, less pesticide use, reduction in imported fruit, reduces moisture related diseases and allows pickers to work when it is raining.”

The installation of the tunnels will predominantly be for cherry production.

Mansfields says there is an increased demand for high-quality UK-grown fruit, so better protection for produce is required.

It says it will be able to invest in premium varieties thanks to the planning approval for the tunnels.

“The production of soft fruit is vital to the continued success of FW Mansfield & Son; in particular cherries provide an essential part of the ‘fruit basket’ offered by the company and without this, it would be impossible to service their current client base,” it said.

““Modern consumer expectations and that of the multiples who buy from F W Mansfield & Son are that produce will be of high quality and as a result, supermarkets will only purchase strawberries grown under cover.”

Across its Kent bases, Mansfields produces 208 million cherries a year.