I REFER to a statement by Don Faulkner, of Holland Nurseries, Bromley Cross, that the polytunnels, subject to the “condition” by which they were to be dismantled by the end of March, had been in place since about 1990 (The Bolton News, September 8). This is incorrect, as they were erected at a much more recent date — spring 2009.

The original “glass house” polytunnels were allowed when the plan was passed in 1989 for a nursery on the green belt, covenant-protected Birtenshaw farmland.

The decision notice stated “for the avoidance of doubt, the permission hereby granted does not authorise the use of the site as a garden centre”.

By the owner’s admission, instead of the 10 per cent of imported goods allowable, the working figure is about 90 per cent, posing the question: “Are these polytunnels necessary?”

Time has shown the planning system to be a travesty of justice.

Name and address supplied