Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Fruit farm allowed to grow despite road danger fears
Controversial plans to expand a fruit farm outside Canterbury have been given the go-ahead – despite fears it could cause accidents on the A28.
Bosses at F W Mansfield and Son in Chartham submitted plans to build a new store at their Nickle Farm site last year.
But the proposal was met with backlash by residents – with fears more delivery lorries driving to the store could spark trouble on the Canterbury to Ashford stretch.
Objector James Thomson said: “It’s a 50mph speed limit on the A28 there and lorries can’t turn without stopping all the traffic.
“The turning already represents a major threat to road safety.
“This threat will only increase 25% if extra fruit is being taken to and from Nickle Farm. Road access is by no way acceptable
Mansfield’s Nickle Farm, Chartham
to take more HGVS.” Despite the concerns, the city council planning committee unanimously approved the plans on Tuesday night.
It means a controlled atmosphere fruit store will now be built at the site, increasing vehicle movements during the three-month harvest period.
Rob Kendall, who spoke on behalf of the company at the meeting, said: “The reason for
the application is because of the increase in fruit production at Nickle Farm. The UK is not selfsufficient in fruits and their aim is for the UK to be more self-sufficient.
“All of Mr Mansfield’s fruit comes to Nickle Farm – that’s the only place where the grader is. There has been no accidents with HGVS leaving or entering Nickle Farm. The building will allow the benefits to flow through the fruit industry and local economy.”
Planning committee member Cllr George Metcalfe (Con) supported the plans.
He said: “I am very excited about what we have heard from this company.
“The fact that the farm is providing work and it is providing British apples, hopefully it will do more to keep out French apples. We are building a greater opportunity for increasing production of British apples in this lovely part of the Garden of England.”
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