The head of a Herefordshire plant nursery that has had to withdraw plans to expand production has defended its environmental record.

Herefordshire Council officers had raised several environmental concerns over Allensmore Nurseries’ plan to create a 70-acre open growing area near its Madley base west of Hereford.

Managing director Mark Taylor said: “We are confident in our environmental credentials, having this year won an international award for sustainability.

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“We plan to work with the council to address any concerns they may have.”

He added: “With new import legislation and increased biosecurity concerns, we wanted to increase our production for our existing customer base and so substitute product they currently import from Europe.

“This development would have provided new employment for at least 25 local staff.”

In February the company was awarded Gold in the sustainability category of the International Grower of the Year Awards 2023, presented in Germany by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.