A Norfolk farm needs caravans to house seasonal workers because it requires more staff to operate organically than a mechanised farm.

Bagthorpe Farm has applied for planning permission to retain two caravans it says have stood on its site at Bagthorpe, near Fakenham, for more than 20 years.

It says the two-bed properties, which would be occupied between March and October, are screened from public view by farm buildings and are "essential" to the running of the arable and livestock farm.

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In a planning statement, it adds: "Due to the organic nature of the farm, work processes differ significantly from that of a traditional farm. Bagthorpe Farm employs seven full time staff to facilitate the ongoing work required around the farm.

"Traditional farms rely on machinery for the majority of practices and therefore, require significantly less staff, however, this is not possible with organic farming, which relies on manual labour for nearly all processes, including hand weeding, irrigation and rotation of cattle."

A decision from West Norfolk Council is expected later this year.