Industrial-size polytunnel blocking view of Argal Reservoir

As reported in the Packet, residents of Treverva, near Budock met to air their anger about the erection of the polytunnel at a public meeting in the village hall earlier this month.

Residents say the poly tunnel has blocked their view of the Argal Reservoir (Image: Supplied)

People living on Argal View say the polytunnel built on greenbelt land, is blocking their view of the Argal Reservoir.

The 25-yard-long polytunnel has been put up on land dubbed Viva Treverva, to “help combat climate change by planting trees, plants, flowers and vegetables”.

Enforcement action being taken by Cornwall Council to get it removed has stalled to give the owner time to apply for retrospective planning permission, which has not yet been received.

Andrew Marston co-owner of the Viva Treverva project – three fields on the edge of the village, has now apologised for the disturbance caused to some of the residents opposite.

“We are sorry that the sight of this has caused disturbance with some of the residents opposite,” he said. “Our interest is to see what we can do on a local level to adjust to the realities of a changing climate and depleted natural wildlife densities.

Residents say the poly tunnel has blocked their view of the Argal Reservoir from Argal View (Image: Supplied)

“The fact is that two amazing women who grow flowers commercially there have put up a polytunnel and there are some differences of opinion about its status.

“Process is being followed, which is quite correct. All those involved in the issue, especially councillors and public servants, have a duty to respect the people and individuals involved – to be fair and balanced in our dealings.”

Cornwall Council has verified that its planning enforcement team is currently investigating the matter.

David Saunby, Cornwall councillor for Falmouth Trescobeas and Budock, said he didn’t want planning enforcement dragging their heels on this.

“It is now at stage eight out of nine with planning enforcement, but I understand after a brief conversation with the owner of the polytunnel that a retrospective planning application will now be submitted,” he said.

“As the Cornwall councillor representing the residents of Treverva I do not want planning enforcement to be dragging their heels any longer on this issue.

“I would hope that a time limit would be given to submit a retrospective planning application, which has caused a lot of upset within the once quiet rural community of Treverva.”