An “absolute whopper” raspberry grown in Faversham made national headlines this week – but a major housing development could tarnish its celebrity status.

The Berry Jewel, grown by Edward Vinson Ltd based at Lady Dane Farm in Graveney Road, grows up to twice the size of regular varieties and helped to increase the demand for the summer fruit by nearly 45% this year.

The raspberry and its breeder, Peter Vinson, chairman of Edward Vinson, featured in the MailOnline, the i newspaper and the Guardian, after Tesco released a press release on the fruit.

Mr Vinson said it was the culmination of 12 years' hard work, while Tesco berry buyer Simon Mandalbaum said it was “easily the best raspberry being grown in the UK today”.

He added: “What immediately grabs you about it is its size – it is what is generally known in the fruit business as an ‘absolute whopper’.

“On first taste you immediately notice a wonderful sweetness, not too overpowering but just right to make it very moreish.”

But as many celebrate the cream of the crop, approved plans for 200 homes, a 70-bed hotel, restaurant and health centre at Lady Dane Farm are looming.

More than 250 people signed a petition against the huge development in Love Lane but it was given the go-ahead by councillors back in November 2014.

It is not yet known when building will commence but it will swallow up a huge chunk of agricultural land and could cause problems for the signature fruit.

Mr Vinson said: “Edward Vinson Ltd operates on a number of sites in the Faversham area, including Lady Dane Farm, which is not owned by the company but subject to an agricultural tenancy agreement, therefore any potential development is outside our control.

“While the loss of Lady Dane Farm will cause a number of short-term difficulties, the company is developing contingency plans to reduce the impact on our total production capability in the long term.

“We shall still be growing the wonderful variety after the Love Lane development takes place.”

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