Regulations are hampering attempts to redevelop glasshouse sites, a former tomato farmer has said after a 23-year battle with the Planning Department left his family with mounting debt and an uncertain future.
Kevin Hervé, who operated Les Tours Farm in St Clement for decades, has urged the government to ease the rules and raised concerns that derelict sites pose safety risks. His comments come after the government recently clarified rules for the redevelopment of derelict and redundant glasshouses, following a consultation earlier this year that indicated support for allowing some sites to be used differently.
Mr Hervé's farm, which once supplied tomatoes to major UK supermarkets such as Tesco and Waitrose, ceased operations in 2008 due to increased competition from larger European producers that led to the collapse of the local industry.
With no government subsidies or support, Mr Hervé said his business, like many others on the Island, could not compete.
Read more at: Jersey Evening Post.