A MASSIVE greenhouse could be constructed on part of the former Horticulture Research International site near Lymington.

The huge glass structure, measuring 216 metres square with a maximum height of six metres, is the dream of top lily and poinsettia grower Derf Paton.

He wants to build it on 30 acres of the old fruit fields to the east of the Efford site.

However, his plans could crash to the ground due to a funding deficit if he does not get permission to build homes at his current nursery.

At the moment Mr Paton employs 28 people at Pinetops Nurseries in Ramley Road, Pennington where they provide potted plants for national retailers like B&Q and Homebase.

However, his greenhouses are 24 years old, inefficient and he also needs room to expand.

He has applied to New Forest District Council for planning permission for the new greenhouse and offices at Efford plus outline permission for an agricultural worker's property there.

Planning officers are recommending permission for the greenhouse and refusal for the worker's property on the grounds that it is premature to give permission before the greenhouse goes up.

Mr Paton has also applied for permission for 60-plus homes at the five-acre Pinetops site.

But council officers are recommending refusal on the grounds that the land is green belt.

Ten people have objected to the Efford nursery plans, but Hordle Parish Council recommends permission and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust regret the loss of some hedgerows but say it is of low ecological interest.

District council planning development committee members are due to meet to discuss the issues at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst on Wednesday.

First published: Sept 6