The future of a vending machine on a Wokingham fruit farm appears to be in doubt after a retrospective planning application was refused by Wokingham borough council.
Agents for Hall Hunter Partnership at Heathlands Road had applied to retain a timber building accommodating a farm vending machine and its associated gravel car parking area.
In the application, they wrote: “The application is for the retention of this operational development and does not seek to change the use of the land which remains in agricultural use, as the goods sold are predominantly produced on Heathlands Farm without the overhead and staff costs of establishing a farm shop.
“The development only requires planning permission due to the proximity of the car park and kiosk to the road.
“The vending machine housed within the proposed building allows customers to purchase berries, honey and jams produced on the farm as well as eggs from a local farm.
“The vending machine has 32 lockers and is restocked up to twice a day with about 20-30 sales a day.
“Customers are able to park in the car park to make a purchase.
“The peak use of the vending machine tends to coincide with pick up and drop off at the school opposite.”
In rejecting the application last week, planning officers wrote: “The proposed development would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area and countryside by reason of the introduction of extensive gravelled hardstanding and close-boarded fencing, together with the removal of hedgerows and trees, which has resulted in a stark, urbanised appearance that is visually intrusive and at odds with the rural character of the area.
“The development erodes the site’s previously green and informal qualities, fails to respond to the surrounding landscape context, and does not contribute positively to local character.”
During the consultation, a single objection from Wokingham Without Parish Council was received.
It said: “Wokingham Without parish council is concerned that the business failed to follow proper procedure and apply for planning permission, and request the vending machine be removed until a traffic survey is completed, and it is proven that safety standards are fully met.
“This once rural road is, and will be, subjected to ever increasing volumes of traffic as it becomes the main access route due to future road closures, plus traffic volume generated from the Grays Farm development of sports pitches.
“Safety is already a concern for the current users accessing Squires garden centre, Holme Grange, schools and businesses.”
