Staff Accomidation at Nissen Christmas Tree Farm
Client: Nissen Christmas Trees Ltd
Approval Type: Full Planning Application
Outcome: Approved with Conditions
Planning Authority: Angus Council
Date Approved: May 2023
Background:
Nissen Christmas Trees Ltd is a long-established horticultural enterprise operating across 380 hectares of land in Angus. With over 1.5 million trees in cultivation and a peak harvesting demand of up to 125,000 trees per year, the business requires a flexible seasonal workforce. Due to a shortage of local accommodation, the client sought to provide on-site staff accommodation to support recruitment of temporary labour via agencies and frontier visas.
The Proposal:
The application proposed two prefabricated modular accommodation units for seasonal workers, to be sited on a 1,550 sqm plot adjacent to Tealing Road. Designed for demountability, the structures comprise a smaller 30 sqm and larger 60 sqm flat-roofed unit clad in vertical timber with metal sheet roofing. The layout includes private drainage infrastructure (septic tank and soakaway), connection to the public water supply, permeable paths and parking, and structural planting to screen the development from the road.
Our Approach:
Greenfinch supported the application with a detailed Supporting Statement and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Key points addressed included:
Demonstrating a clear functional and economic need for seasonal accommodation under ALDP Policy TC5
Justifying the site’s selection due to proximity to transport routes and its previously developed character
Establishing the modular buildings as a low-impact, demountable solution compatible with the local landscape
Incorporating biodiversity measures and landscape mitigation to align with NPF4 Policies 2, 3, and 29
Designing the site for health, safety and operational efficiency, given the farm’s year-round logistics and machinery use
The application clarified that existing housing or buildings were unsuitable and highlighted the role of on-site accommodation in sustaining the business’s viability.
The Outcome:
Planning permission was granted with occupancy restriction to seasonal forestry workers only. Landscaping, levels and biodiversity enhancements are secured by condition. There were no objections from consultees or the public.
Key Successes:
Policy-led justification aligning with ALDP and NPF4
Low-carbon, modular design with minimal landscape impact
Support for local employment and rural economic resilience
Efficient approval process with robust supporting evidence
This project demonstrates how well-targeted rural worker accommodation can address real recruitment barriers and support Scotland’s land-based industries while respecting landscape and environmental sensitivities.
