2 responses from Mr CJ Davies, National Farmers Union
1. Mr CJ Davies, National Farmers Union : 16 Apr 2012 15:11:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show you have read the 'Guidance Notes for Making a Representation'
I have read the guidance notes
Policy/Site No.
LA1.1 Development Boundaries- MILNTHORPE
If you have selected a ‘Site omission’ please enter the site reference or location and relevant policy below
Agricultural Land adjacent to Mainline Industrial Estate
1.1 Do you consider that the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD is legally compliant?
Yes
2.2 If NO please identify which test of soundness your representation relates to by selecting the relevant option(s) below and completing section 2.3.
The DPD is not justified in that it is not founded on a robust and credible evidence base and/or is not considered the most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives.
2.3 Please give details of the change(s) you consider necessary to make the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD sound, having regard to the test you have identified at question 2.2 above.
It would be helpful if you could state your proposed change to the DPD and the reasons why you think it is necessary.
I am very concerned that some 20 acres of sound agricultural land has been included within the draft. The land itself forms part of a large viable dairy unit on the edge of Milnthorpe. The unit supports two families as well as employing one full time and four part time employees. The farm further contributes to the local business economy via the utilisation of various contractors and professional service providers.
The land identified although is only a small percentage of the overall farm area actually grows a significant amount of winter forage for the dairy herd. A major key to success within the dairy sector in recent years is the opportunity to expand and take advantage of the economies of scale this brings. Without the winter forage currently grown on the proposed land the number of animals kept on the farm would need to be reduced significantly and would seriously impact on the viability of the farm as a commercially succesful dairy unit. No doubt the farm could continue but within an alternative commodity sector (i.e. beef / sheep) which would of course seriously impact on the economic benefits that are provided at present (fewer labour requirements, reduced contactor / consultant / professional provision, etc.).
I am not opposed to the economic development of Milnthorpe although would strongly urge caution when identifying the most appropriate site. There are certainly other sites in the area that are currently farmland which would have far less impact if converted to industrial use).
3.1 If your representation is seeking a change, do you consider it necessary to participate in the oral part of the examination?
NO, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, published and adopted.
Please notify me
2. Mr CJ Davies, National Farmers Union : 18 May 2012 09:24:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show you have read the 'Guidance Notes for Making a Representation'
I have read the guidance notes
Policy/Site No.
LA1.8 Local Employment Allocations
If you have selected a ‘Site omission’ please enter the site reference or location and relevant policy below
Agricultural land adjacent to Mainline Industrial Estate
1.1 Do you consider that the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD is legally compliant?
Yes
2.2 If NO please identify which test of soundness your representation relates to by selecting the relevant option(s) below and completing section 2.3.
The DPD is not justified in that it is not founded on a robust and credible evidence base and/or is not considered the most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives.
2.3 Please give details of the change(s) you consider necessary to make the South Lakeland District Council Land Allocations DPD sound, having regard to the test you have identified at question 2.2 above.
It would be helpful if you could state your proposed change to the DPD and the reasons why you think it is necessary.
I am very concerned that some 20 acres of sound agricultural land has been included within the draft. The land itself forms part of a large viable dairy unit on the edge of Milnthorpe. The unit supports two families as well as employing one full time and four part time employees. The farm further contributes to the local business economy via the utilisation of various contractors and professional service providers.
The land identified although is only a small percentage of the overall farm area actually grows a significant amount of winter forage for the dairy herd. A major key to success within the dairy sector in recent years is the opportunity to expand and take advantage of the economies of scale this brings. Without the winter forage currently grown on the proposed land the number of animals kept on the farm would need to be reduced significantly and would seriously impact on the viability of the farm as a commercially succesful dairy unit. No doubt the farm could continue but within an alternative commodity sector (i.e. beef / sheep) which would of course seriously impact on the economic benefits that are provided at present (fewer labour requirements, reduced contactor / consultant / professional provision, etc.).
I am not opposed to the economic development of Milnthorpe although would strongly urge caution when identifying the most appropriate site. There are certainly other sites in the area that are currently farmland which would have far less impact if converted to industrial use).
3.1 If your representation is seeking a change, do you consider it necessary to participate in the oral part of the examination?
NO, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, published and adopted.
Please notify me
