Plans Submitted for £150m Essex Greenhouse Aimed at Boosting UK Tomato Production

A planning application has been submitted for a £150 million greenhouse complex in Rivenhall, Essex, which could become one of the UK's largest horticultural facilities. The 40-hectare site is designed to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of tomatoes annually, potentially reducing the nation's reliance on imports from countries like Spain, Morocco, and the Netherlands.

The project, led by Rivenhall Greenhouse Ltd and spearheaded by Ed Moorhouse, proposes utilising heat, electricity, and carbon dioxide from a neighbouring energy-from-waste facility operated by Dutch firm Indaver. This integration, as reported in the Grocer aims to provide stable energy prices for a decade, shielding the operation from future gas price fluctuations.

If approved, the greenhouse would be the UK's most significant new horticultural development since 2009. The facility plans to feature four greenhouse blocks, some reaching up to 8 metres in height, with 13 hectares equipped with artificial lighting to enable year-round cultivation. Construction could commence in 2026, with the first planting scheduled between April and June 2027.

The initiative is expected to create approximately 500 jobs and contribute to the revitalisation of the UK's horticultural sector, which has faced challenges due to cheap imports and rising energy costs. Moorhouse emphasises the project's potential to enhance food security and reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation of produce.

However, the scale of the development has raised concerns among local officials. James Abbott, Green Party councillor for Silver End and Cressing, expressed apprehension about the cumulative impact of large-scale projects in the rural area, including the proposed greenhouse, incinerator, and new housing developments.

A public consultation on the proposal began in early May 2025. The developers are engaging with stakeholders to address concerns and highlight the project's benefits to the local economy and national food supply chain.