Fruit farm bosses submit proposals for 100m reservoir

Site could store two million gallons of water

A 100-metre reservoir storing two million gallons of water is planned to be installed at a farm in Canterbury.

Bosses at crop and fruit growing firm C.E Murch, based at Amery Court in Blean, say they need to store more water on site to cater for a 12-acre expansion of its cherry farm.

They say they are “reliant on achieving good quality crops” and therefore “sufficient water for growing is a necessity”. Proposed to be built in a designated conservation area in a field next to a public footpath, the reservoir will be an attraction for birds and other wildlife. A statement compiled on behalf of the applicant by planning agents Finn’s highlights how demand for soft fruit has recently increased significantly and how the reservoir will support the agricultural business. “The farm is expanding its soft fruit crops by 12 acres and will require a greater quantity of irrigation water to support the crop,” it reads.

“With the amount of rainwater run-off this winter, it has become apparent that the farm could have filled two reservoirs and the ability to store sufficient irrigation water is always important, to ensure the farm has sufficient irrigation reserves for drier seasons. “Without sufficient water storage on the farm to irrigate the crops, the crops are unlikely to be successful.”

The dimensions of the rectangular reservoir will be 100 metres in length, 75 metres at its widest and 1.7 metres in depth. It will be fed via an overflow pipe from an existing pond therefore, when the neighbouring is at its capacity the water will be directed into the new reservoir.

The applicants argue the reservoir will have a “pleasant appearance” and will be a benefit to the area by encouraging birds and wildlife, which, as a result, will be a positive to walkers using the public footpath. Earth dug out to create the reservoir will be used elsewhere on the farm, while its construction will be managed by the site’s owners with equipment they already own - reducing the need for heavy vehicles passing through the village. The proposals have been submitted to the city council for approval.

Applicants say the reservoir would attract birds and other wildlife

Charles Atkins, director of applicant CE Murch