The Ecological Land Co-operative (http://www.ecologicalland.coop) has applied to Mid Devon District Council for planning permission for a new affordable residential smallholding (ref: 11/02007/MFUL). It is the first one of three applications that together form a proposal for a cluster of three low impact and affordable smallholdings for new entrants to ecological agriculture.

The prospective grower 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 - please see more details on http://www.ecologicalland.coop/greenham-reach-smallholdings.

The Ecological Land Co-operative would be extremely grateful if you could find the time to write a letter of support. Even if you have time for nothing more than 'I support this application' it is still worth writing. If you have time to write more, some points you may wish to make (as appropriate):

• Why you believe that the project will be of benefit to the local community - environmentally, socially and economically.
   
• Why the proposal could have a positive benefit for the future of agriculture and land use.
   
• Why there is a need for an affordable route into ecological agriculture.
   
• How the proposal addresses climate change.
   
• How the mechanisms we have developed, such as the Management Plan, will protect the site effectively.
   
• Why you believe that it fits with local, regional or national planning policy.

How to submit a letter of support

Please refer to our application 11/02007/MFUL in any correspondence.

Email: devcon@middevon.gov.uk.

In writing to: Alison Fish, Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6PP.

On line: http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do. You will need to search for our application (ref: 11/02007/MFUL) and once you can view our application, select 'Comment'. You will then be asked to register before you are allowed to submit your letter.