On Thurday 6th of September Caradon Planning committe will be considering whether to proceed with enforcement action against the shipping container used for packing vegetables, the touring caravan used by seasonal agricultural workers and the siting of a mobile home in use for a workers restroom, office and as residence for a key agricultural worker.
If after reading the letter below you wish to express your support please write to:
Cllr Bernie Ellis
Luxstowe House
Liskeard
Cornwall
Re: Trevalon, Herodsfoot, enforcement 07/00305
Dear Sir / Madam,
On Thursday 6th September the planning committee will be considering enforcement action at Trevalon, Herodsfoot. Subject to possible enforcement is the use of a touring caravan for seasonal agricultural workers, a shipping container being used for the packing of vegetables and a mobile home being used as a workers restroom, site office and for residential use by a key agricultural worker and his family.
Trevalon is an organic farm growing fruit and vegetables with the use of two working horses. Sales are primarily direct to the public through a weekly vegetable box delivery. We currently employ two full time workers and one part time picker and driver. We deliver 65 vegetable boxes a week throughout South-East Cornwall.
Trevalon is owned by a not-for-profit Land Trust, which is commitment to sustainable land management and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, permaculture and local organic food production. In running the business at Trevalon it is intended to minimise environmental impact, reduce our carbon footprint, use local sustainable materials in all new buildings and to demonstrate the ability to produce food for local people in the most environmentally beneficial way possible.
The vision for all structures at Trevalon is that they are made from local sustainable materials that are beautiful and in keeping with the landscape. We have already been given permission for a machinery barn, which is at present under construction using local timber, and will have a turf roof.
During the series of planning applications made in 2006, plans were also put forward for a vegetable packing barn of straw bale construction with a turf roof. It was intended that this building would incorporate workers rest facilities and office. During the application process we where asked to remove this structure from the application. Although our business plan was considered to be sound and that we should be given the go ahead to build a machinery barn and erect polytunnels, it was stated by the planning officer that we had not yet established a need for a packing barn.
We went ahead with the business of growing organic vegetables assuming that in order to establish a need for this permanent structure we would have to demonstrate for some time that we were able to carry on the business profitably. We set ourselves the goal of one hundred vegetable boxes being delivered each week before resubmitting the application for a packing barn.
We quickly realised that it was not possible to operate the business without temporary facilities for packing vegetables, office and rest room. These were moved onto site between October 2006 and February 2007 in the form of a shipping container and a mobile home. I do not see how it would be possible to demonstrate need for a permanent packing and office structure without initially making use of these temporary structures for the purpose.
It also became apparent during the planning process that there was likely to a delay before a favourable decision would be made for residential permission. As the presence of a full time agricultural worker is essential to the running of the business it was decided that if we wanted to proceed with the business then moving on and apply for permission retrospectively was the only option open.
I believe all the structures subject to enforcement are temporary and in use for agricultural purposes and that the residential use of the mobile home is essential to the efficient running of the business. It is our intention that all structures at Trevalon are built to the highest environmental standards using local sustainable materials. If an amended application for a permanent packing barn and the temporary residential use of the mobile home were allowed to be submitted and considered by councillors on the planning committee I believe there is a good chance that planning permission would be approved.
Yours Sincerely
Mark Simon
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Vegetable Box Delivery Service Delivered throughout South East Cornwall
Trevalon Links
This is your chance to get involved in
THE FUTURE OF TREVALON
Trevalon is 16.5 acres of farmland near Herodsfoot. It is south facing with small fields surrounded by mature hedges. There is a stream, woodland, springs, ponds, orchard, vegetable plots and grassland. It is organic certified and is a haven for wildlife.
Currently the land is used to grow fruit and vegetables supplying 80 vegetable boxes a week, delivered to homes in SE Cornwall. We sell four sizes of vegetable box, £6, £10, £13 and £16.
Trevalon now wants to open to the community, and give you the chance to help manage the land, take part in growing your own food on community plots and allotments, and become involved in making Trevalon more sustainable.
This is your chance to become involved in Trevalon Community Supported Agriculture Project (CSA) and create a partnership between the farmer and the community, working together to produce local healthy food at affordable prices.
What are the BENEFITS OF A CSA?
A chance to receive FRESH FOOD from a known local source,
A sense of BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY, an opportunity to CONNECT WITH THE LAND, have access to the farm for EDUCATION, WORK and LEISURE, play an active part in SUPPORTING A LOCAL SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE.
A Community Cooperative has been formed, called Trevalon Organic Cooperative, The public meeting is a chance to come and find out more and get involved. If you want to put forward ideas and discuss the many possibilities you are invited to join and attend the AGM for members.
Small farms are a valuable part of the local economy and landscape. They need your support. Producing food locally is an important part of creating a sustainable future, reducing food miles and carbon emissions and increasing healthy lifestyles.
Its win win - NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE!
ORDER A VEGBOX or go on the mailing list, email: janice@trevalon.co.uk, telephone: 01579326144, or visit the online shop at trevalon.co.uk.
