BASE HEADER

I write concerning the proposed gypsy sites.

I note two of the sites (GT12 & GT16) are based on Grade 2 land.

J & A Growers are the largest producers of seedling trees and hedging plants in the UK and we are in the process of expansion planning.

Owen Paterson, the secretary of state for Environment Food and Rural Affairs recently stated that the Government will make Tree Health and Biosecurity a high priority, this is what is driving our expansion plans, coupled with the market demanding UK produced material after the outbreak of Ash dieback (Chalara Fraxinea).

Our production requires high quality land (grade 1 or 2) and as can be seen on the map below there is very limited availability in the area and the removal of a substantial parcel in the area could severely limit any expansion plans.

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I am firstly extremely concerned that these sites on Grade 2 land would be considered as a potential Gypsy site but also given the Government Policy, I quote -

Government policy for England is set out in the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
published in March 2012 (paragraph 112).
Decisions rest with the relevant planning
authorities who should take into account the
economic and other benefits of the best and
most versatile agricultural land. Where
significant development of agricultural land is
demonstrated to be necessary, local planning
authorities should seek to use areas of poorer
quality land in preference to that of higher
quality.