Greenham Reach Smallholdings

The Ecological Land Co-operative (ELC) has applied to Mid Devon District Council for planning permission for three new affordable residential smallholdings "Plot C", "Plot A" and "Plot B", (ref: 11/02007/MFUL), ref:12/00045/MFUL and ref:12/00107/MFUL). Together the three applications form a proposal for a cluster of three low impact and affordable smallholdings for new entrants to ecological agriculture.

In each of the three applications we are seeking a temporary permission for an agricultural worker’s dwelling. With each application we are also seeking permission for the following shared facilities and infrastructure: timber barn with PV array and rainwater collection; bore hole; biological waste water treatment system; improved access; and internal pathways of grass paving. On Plot C we are also seeking permission for a small wooden poultry hatchery/brooder (18m2) and on Plot A for a small greenhouse (24m2).

The prospective grower on Plot C is proposing to establish a mixed organic holding with a hectare of market garden, a small vegetable and herb nursery, a hectare of silvopastoral agroforestry to grow top and soft fruit, mushrooms on logs, herbs and perennial vegetables, and pure bred point of lay hens. The prospective grower on Plot A is proposing a mix of agroforestry (fruit and nuts), willow, vegetable, and grain production and intends to set up a box scheme and produce hand crafted willow furniture. The prospective grower on Plot B is proposing a salad and herb bag business along with fruit condiments and in the longer-term, juices.

Through the use of energy efficient appliances, renewables, insulation, and low vehicle use, the development will be exemplary for low carbon development, with a projected carbon impact of less than 3 tonnes CO2 per per person per year (compared with Mid Devon’s average of 11.2 tonnes per person).

The ELC is a co-operative society and social enterprise which exists to provide affordable ecological smallholdings and support its tenants in developing both their businesses and their land stewardship skills. As a condition of planning permission, the ELC will monitor the sites to ensure that they remain in agricultural use, affordable and under careful ecological management.

Our scheme has attracted a great deal of support including that of the Soil Association, the Biodynamic Agricultural College, the Scottish Crofters Federation, Wakelyns Agroforestry, the Transition Network and the Permaculture Association. The local wildlife trust has agreed to assist us in monitoring our site.

The following documentation is available to download:

Plot C
Cover letter
Landscape Plan
Site location plan
Block plan
Drawing: Barn
Drawing: Temporary dwelling
Drawing: Poultry hatchery
Design & Access Statement
Drawing: Proposed passing point
Transport statement
Flood Risk Assessment
Ecology Assessment
Agricultural appraisal
Energy statement
Water and Waste Water Treatment Statement
Management Plan
Template lease
Proposed Section 106 Agreement

Plot A
Cover letter
Landscape Plan
Site location plan
Block plan
Drawing: Barn
Drawing: Glasshouse
Design & Access Statement
Drawing: Proposed passing point
Transport statement
Flood Risk Assessment
Ecology Assessment
Agricultural appraisal
Energy statement
Water and Waste Water Treatment Statement
Management Plan
Template lease
Proposed Section 106 Agreement

Plot B
Cover letter
Landscape Plan
Site location plan
Block plan
Drawing: Barn
Design & Access Statement
Drawing: Proposed passing point
Transport statement
Flood Risk Assessment
Ecology Assessment
Agricultural appraisal
Energy statement
Water and Waste Water Treatment Statement
Management Plan
Template lease
Proposed Section 106 Agreement