Skip to main content

Polytunnels

Volume 448: debated on Thursday 6 July 2006

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she plans to introduce legislation to control the use of polytunnels in (a) rural areas and (b) areas of outstanding natural beauty. (81510)

The Government have no plans to introduce any new legislation to control the use of polytunnels. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 provides controls on the development and use of land in all areas of the country. Whether the erection or use of any particular polytunnel is deemed to constitute ‘development’ under the Act will depend on the facts of each case, taking account of such matters as the scale, manner of construction and extent and nature of fixation of the polytunnel. Ultimately, this is a matter for the courts to determine.