A HUGE glasshouse for growing tomatoes in the Vale of Evesham has been refused planning permission despite a heartfelt plea for help from the farmer behind the scheme.

Wychavon District Councillors said the fact the building would cover 80,000 sq metres and measure nearly seven metres high, meant it was just too big for the site at Salters Lane, Fladbury.

Farmer Rowley Holt spoke at the meeting to ask councillors to support the plans.

He said: "New glasshouses are needed. The supermarkets now account for 80 per cent of fresh produce sales.

"I'm the youngest tomato grower at 27 and I want to remain growing tomatoes. I hope the committee will support this application."

However, the vice chairman of Fladbury Parish Council, Ian Southcote, objected to the plans, saying that tomatoes did not need to be grown on such good quality of land and the glasshouse should go elsewhere. He said: "We are told it's all about location, location, location.

"In this case, due to its massive visual impact and inappropriate use of good land it's the wrong location, the wrong location, the wrong location."

Councillor Jean Dowty said: "I wish Mr Holt luck in the future. We must look after our farmers." But she added: "This application is too large. I hope he can come back with something more in keeping."

Coun David Lee said: "The Vale of Evesham is littered with disused greenhouses. We should demolish and develop them before starting new schemes."

The committee voted to refuse the plans.