CAMPAIGNERS believe the fight to keep polytunnels outside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will continue - despite winning the latest argument with planners.

Herefordshire Councillors turned down Neil Cockburn's application to erect polytunnels on his land at Pennoxstone Court Farm in Kings Caple at the end of April.

It was the latest decision in a long line of appeals and court orders that date back to 2006.

The rejected proposal sought 10-year planning permission to erect and rotate polytunnels around a 25-hectare area in the Wye Valley AONB.

Protestor David Williams said this week that although the recent rejection was a momentous success, he does not think the battle has yet been won and fears an appeal.

Speaking at the planning meeting, Mr Cockburn said the rejection of the application would destroy his business.

He told councillors: “There have been letters sent to me by people who have resorted to crass bullying, making deeply offensive and sometimes racist comments.

“In refusing this application you will damage my livelihood.”

But vice-chairman of the planning committee Councillor Barry Durkin, was one of many to vote against the polytunnels.

“The Wye Valley should not become an industrial landscape,” he said.

“It is an AONB and should be protected for generations to come to enjoy.

“We are very privileged to have two of these AONBs within the county and should look after them because once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

Coun Durkin’s comments were backed up by coun Felicity Norman.

“These areas are very important to tourism for the county,” she added.