SPANISH polytunnels in Evesham have got the backing of town councillors - but only just.

Members voted 7 to 6 at a meeting on Monday to support an application for a certificate of lawfulness, as the tunnels have already been erected on market garden land in Abbey Road.

Several of the councillors praised the business as being well-run and tidy but others felt that the polytunnels were not suitable for the area.

Councillor Mike Worrall said: "I have concerns about over-development on this site." He said the vista of Abbey Road with green fields on the opposite side to the nursery was unique and believed the polytunnels served to detract from the gateway to the town.

The applicants Gary Andrews and Lee Harvey believe they do not need planning permission because the Spanish tunnels are mobile but it will be left to the planning authority, Wychavon District Council, to decide.