EC Drummond, one of the UK’s leading fruit growers, is set to invest £1 million in enhancing its Tillington fruit farm near Burghill, Herefordshire. This follows a previous £1.5 million investment in new apple orchards and infrastructure aimed at modernizing production.
The company has submitted a planning application (250951) to build a new storage facility on currently unused land at the farm. The proposed building, clad in dark matte greenish-grey profiled sheeting, will measure 70 by 26 metres—equivalent to more than seven tennis courts—and will stand 9 metres tall.
Equipped with state-of-the-art refrigeration and atmospheric control technology, the new storage will preserve apples well into the next summer, ensuring a steady, year-round supply of British-grown apples in retail outlets. Sustainability is a key focus: the facility will feature roof-mounted solar panels and two rainwater harvesting tanks. According to chairman Eric Drummond, the ten-chamber store “will maintain fruit quality while reducing our carbon footprint.”
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Locating storage on-site is expected to reduce costs and ease traffic congestion through the village during harvest season, although sorting and packing operations will continue to be handled offsite. Drummond emphasized the project’s broader benefits: “This investment secures jobs and supports the continuation of dessert apple production in Herefordshire—a sector that has seen decline in recent years.” The facility is planned to be operational for the 2026 harvest.
The project also includes environmental improvements such as planting 640 metres of native hedgerows, additional trees, and a wildflower area to enhance biodiversity around the site.
EC Drummond acquired the farm about ten years ago from the Co-op as part of the retailer’s estate sell-off. Since then, the company has revitalized the orchard with popular modern apple varieties like Jazz, Pink Lady, and Gala—favored by consumers.
The recent stretch of sunny weather has been excellent for fruit development, says Drummond, although some rainfall is still desired to support growth.
Public comments on the planning application will be accepted until May 30.