Cheshire%20Plan_15oct2007

Rural Development Programme for England

The Implementation Plan for Cheshire and Warrington Sub-Region

2007 – 2013

September 2007

Consultation

Contents Page

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 2

Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2

Justification and Evidence 3

Method of Delivery – Mechanisms 4

Project selection and approval process 5

Impact 6

Targeting of Resources 7

Governance 8

Priority Measures

Measures Under Axis I 9

Measures Under Axis III 22

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Implementation of RDPE for Cheshire & Warrington Sub-Region

Introduction

Partners in Cheshire and Warrington have been working with the North West Development Agency (NWDA) to bring forward proposals for the delivery of the Rural Development Programme (RDPE) in Cheshire and Warrington for the 2007-13 period.

This plan which outlines the use of Axis I and Axis III funds has now been prepared and submitted to the NWDA and is available for consultation.

You are being asked to comment on :-

1. The % allocation of funds given to each measure within the two axes?

2. Whether you agree with the proposed activities? How could they be made more effective or better suited to the needs of the sub-region?

When responding to the consultation, please make reference to specific sections or paragraph numbers.

The consultation is open until 29th September 2007.

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

In June 2005, European Union Ministers approved the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), to replace the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) under the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy. The new programme will run from 2007 – 2013. The available measures for funding have been divided between three main headings, or axes.

Axis 1 : Improving the competitiveness of farming and forestry sectorsAxis 2 : Improving the environment and countrysideAxis 3 : Rural quality of life and diversity of the rural economy

Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

The Programme for England in draft at the time of the development of this report, has helped to inform the development process of the Regional and now sub-regional programmes.

The Draft Programme suggests that funding should be focused primarily on supporting diversification of rural economies at a local level. This would include supporting innovative farm diversification and woodland enterprise. It would also include enabling of growth of existing micro-enterprises and encouraging start-ups, improving skills and employment opportunities for those individuals in the rural workforce on low pay.

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Axis 2 (improving the environment and countryside) will be managed by Natural England and the Forestry Commission, receiving 80% of the funding allocation and delivered through the Environmental Stewardship and English Woodland Grant Scheme. The Northwest Development Agency has responsibility in the North West for establishing Axis 1 and 3. A Regional implementation Plan (RIP) is now being developed with the assistance of sub-regional partners.

Justification and Evidence

An overview of the sub-region’s rural economy (rural evidence base) was completed in February 2006. This highlighted some of the key baseline data available and the implications that the data suggests, primarily for the rural economy. Cheshire and Warrington accounts for 15% of the land-mass of the North West. Rural areas cover 80% of the sub-region, around 26% of the rural area of the Region. 80% of land is graded at level 3 (good to moderate quality) or above. Woodland cover is low at about 10,000 hectares, and it is largely un or under managed. However, there are the highest densities in the region of hedgerow and parkland trees, for example, twice the density of live trees outside woodlands compared to any other sub region (1198 per square km).

Cheshire and Warrington’s rural Sub-region is best described as “independent rural periphery”, where the rural areas are in close proximity to major metropolitan areas (city regions), and interdependencies are likely to be stronger and more complex. These city regions dominate the surrounding rural hinterlands in the region, largely free from any significant competition from cities in other regions.

Unlike Cumbria and parts of Lancashire, Cheshire’s rural areas are largely considered as integral to more integrated forms of territorial development, which assess the nature of interconnections between rural and urban areas, and seeks to manage and develop these to the maximum mutual benefit.

The inter-relationship between urban and rural is particularly close in Cheshire. It is now the case that accessibility, rather than proximity to the market or services is more important. Developments in ICT, growth in the knowledge base and growth in the number of businesses that are not location reliant has resulted in a greater merger of the boundaries between urban and rural economies and communities. Around one third of all grade 2 and grade 3 quality land in the region is located in Cheshire and Warrington. Cheshire and Warrington also has double the proportion of its population base living in rural areas as does the region as a whole.

Agriculture is no longer identified as a key driver for increased productivity and improved GVA. As a sector Agriculture accounts for a small proportion of

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total businesses in rural areas, but nonetheless provides a business and therefore employment function in the rural areas of the sub-region.

Employment rates are higher in rural than urban areas. Rural areas have a higher qualification base than urban areas. Business start-up rates are similar in urban and rural towns, but lower in rural village/dispersed areas. Survival rates are higher and self-employment is more concentrated in rural areas.

High levels of GVA in rural areas suggests that rural areas are performing well and have the potential and capacity to continue to do so. However there is still potential for increased economic growth.

The sub-region has constructed a case for accessing support around “opportunity ” rather than need. What this means and why this should merit investment has been articulated in a study report that has taken the rural evidence base for the sub-region and set it against a number of interventions that are needed to help sustain the long term economic growth of rural areas.

Rural village and dispersed area residents have significantly lower access to a wide range of services within the sub-region than do residents of rural towns. Data is not available at a level that social deprivation and economic failure can be evidenced in the sub-region. Data is limited at the broader geographical level and as such small pockets of need are difficult to identify.

In addressing social deprivation a more targeted approach is to be adopted. This is in contrast to the provision of support to the Region’s Lagging areas that are in free-fall and where economic failure and social deprivation are deep-rooted and where broader interventions are needed. The case in Cheshire is for some assistance to be provided to address the dispersed nature of need, recognising that the sum total of the pockets of need can justify the provision of some form of intervention.

Method of Delivery – Mechanisms

Cheshire has over a relatively short period of time developed a reputation for being able to develop and put into action new programmes that assist its rural areas. As part of that approach towards the delivery of National and Regional resources the sub-region has created a number of mechanisms that are able to demonstrate co-ordination and value for money.

The Cheshire and Warrington Rural Partnership acts as the rural voice of Cheshire and has taken on a central role in the co-ordination of the sub-regional response to rural policy development and delivery. The Partnership has broad representation from key rural organisations and as such is seen as the natural co-ordinating body for the instalment of the Rural Development Programme within the sub-region.

In delivering Axis I and III of the RDPE, the Cheshire and Warrington Rural Partnership has agreed to use an existing deliver mechanism to manage the

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programme at the sub-regional level. The intention (dependent upon economic viability) is to have a programme team in place to appraise grant applications made to the RDPE along similar lines used for the appraisal of grant applications to the current Rural Enterprise programme, with pre – application advice and integration of assistance to applicants to be undertaken by the Rural Enterprise Gateway / Enterprise Hub. Organisations are based at Reaseheath and already work very closely. Joint working will become part of the management regime and will be agreed through a protocol.

The Rural Partnership will ensure co-ordination and integration with the delivery of Axis II, to be delivered by Natural England and the Forestry Commission. Joined-up delivery can best be achieved through local delivery mechanisms where opportunities might be identified to develop a more joined-up approach.

There is a requirement that at least 5% of the RDPE spend be done using the LEADER approach. Cumbria is proposing to deliver the whole of axes I and III through LEADER, therefore more than meeting the minimum requirement level within the North West Region. However, there is still potential and scope in the sub-region to deliver projects based on the Leader model; the current Leader+ programme in operation to the south of the County (Northern Marches) has posted an expression of interest to the North West Development Agency.

Project Selection and Approval Process

The measures which the sub-region has elected to deliver are outlined in this document. In order to access assistance offered within the scope of the measures outlined, a number of delivery models will be used ranging from direct commissioning with delivery partners to direct application by potential beneficiaries.

Direct application will require the potential beneficiary to submit an application to the programme. Applications will be considered using an appraisal and selection process, based on the following approach which is open, competitive and transparent.

The applicant will contact the programme team to discuss the proposal, if the project meets the initial checks an expression of interest form will be sent to the applicant as a first check for eligibility. Once eligibility has been confirmed with the proposal meeting the programme criteria, the applicant will be asked to complete a full application to the programme.

The full application will be considered in detail by a trained appraiser who will make recommendations to an Appraisal Group. The Appraisal Group will meet four times a year to consider applications. This group will consist of five members taken from a range of backgrounds and will have a broad depth of knowledge of rural issues and will include a representative from the Development Agency. Once the Appraisal Group has made a decision, a

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recommendation will be made to the Delivery Board, who will carry the final decision on the application.

Once the application is approved the programme team will undertake monitoring and verification responsibilities for the project. Applicants if unsuccessful will be able to make an appeal to the Delivery Board, who will consider the reasons for the appeal and if appropriate reconsider the application.

Where direct commissioning is undertaken, this will involve targeting the delivery of interventions by partners. This will require the Sub-Regional Rural Partnership to identify and agree the most appropriate delivery partner. Where there are a number of potential delivery partners a process of restricted tendering will be undertaken.

Impact

The traditional image of the rural economy, dominated by agriculture and related activities is fading and no where is this more evident than in Cheshire and Warrington.

With the decoupling of direct subsidy payments from production, it is essential that support is made available towards the establishment of activities that can become more competitive and sustainable, but do not have a negative impact on the environment. In aiming to meet this objective it is important to ensure equality and ease of access is provided without prejudicing areas through targeting. Cheshire has articulated its view that, with the blanket withdrawal of subsidies through decoupling there now needs to be a broad availability of assistance that is targeted at specific need and opportunity that meets sub-regional priorities.

In the longer term there may be a move away from generating and nurturing start-up enterprises towards building greater efficiency and therefore strengthening market competitiveness. This may call for a change in emphasis as new business ventures mature and as such a need to change interventions accordingly.

Although the proposed allocation of resources is relatively modest in comparison with other rural sub-regions in the North West, the expectation is that they will make a difference. A clear priority has been placed on assisting the growth of entrepreneurship and on the gaining of skills in order to strengthen the rural economy. This arises from the evidence gathered on the high levels of business activity, such as start-up rates and business survival rates that indicates that Cheshire has a strong and diverse business base that nonetheless will need to be given continued support to ensure further growth particularly encouraging the agricultural sector to become more competitive and to move into stronger alternative markets.

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Targeting of Resources

In total, just over 80% of land within the sub-region is classified as rural. 23% of the population live in rural areas, consisting of 11% living in rural towns, 7% in villages and 5% in dispersed areas (the sub-region has no sparse areas). In total this equates to a total population of 198,950 that live in rural areas, compared to Cumbria that has a total population of 251,703 in its rural areas. Cheshire is to receive just under half of the level of resources per head of population living in its rural areas than Cumbria; it is therefore essential that the programme gets the targeting right to ensure it meets the needs of its rural communities.

The measures suggested by Cheshire have been selected from the national priorities. Only those most relevant to local circumstances have been chosen. We have taken care not to stretch the programme over too many measures to ensure there is a good bank of funding available to help deliver and realise projects most appropriate to the sub-regions rural needs.

In relation to Axis I the following measures have been chosen:- Vocational training and information actions for persons engaged in the

agricultural, food and forestry sectors. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products Co-operation for development of new products, processes and

technologies in the agricultural and food sector and in the forestry sector

In relation to Axis III :- Diversification into non agricultural activities Support for the creation and development of micro enterprises –

promoting entrepreneurship and developing the economic fabric Encourage tourism activity Training and Information

Cheshire awaits with interest an announcement on how the additional Voluntary Modulated Funds for Axis 1 and 3 will be channelled to the delivery arms within the region to support the three agendas - Competitiveness, The Nitrates Directive and Animal Health and Welfare.

The need for intervention is driven by a rural evidence base. It makes a case for developing and growing innovation and entrepreneurship to help sustain the long term economic growth of rural areas. A case is built on opportunity that recognises the need for interventions that continue to support and therefore maintain business and economic growth in rural areas.

The need for support arises from the evidence gathered that shows a strong reliance on the continued growth of business activity in the form of business start up rates and survival rates and in particular encouraging the agricultural sector to become more competitive and to move into stronger alternative markets.

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The priority measures identified to be delivered within the sub-region reflect the need to:-

Strengthen vocational training, developing new skills in technical and economic activities that help to maintain or increase the competitiveness of farm and forestry holdings.

Add value to agriculture and forestry products by modernising and improving efficiency through investment in the processing and marketing of products and investment in the development of new products, processes and technologies.

Encourage greater co-operation, developing initiatives that support new products, processes and technologies in the agricultural, food and forestry sectors.

Support employment growth and sustainable development in rural areas by diversifying into non-agricultural activities and services. This will provide support towards those sectors that command a higher level of productivity than the traditional rural sectors and will help better sustain broader economic activity in rural areas, whilst making a greater contribution to the sub-regions GVA.

Broaden employment opportunities by giving support to existing micro enterprises and to people to help them set up new micro-enterprises in a non-agricultural business.

Continue to provide support to the tourism sector, developing the tourism infrastructure in rural areas to help attract more visitors, create more jobs and make a contribution towards economic growth. High value tourism is identified as an area in need of support.

Training and information measure for economic actors operating in the fields covered by Axis 3

Governance

The Cheshire and Warrington Rural Partnership is the Strategic Body that will be charged with the strategic oversight of the programme, and will endeavour to ensure linkages are made between programmes and in particular engage with Natural England and the Forestry Commission to strengthen the integration of Axis II. Within the Rural Partnership clear separation exists between policy development and delivery. The Delivery Board will ensure integration and co-operation and the inclusion of potential delivery bodies. The Delivery arrangements are to be managed on a day to day basis by the Enterprise Hub if capacity can be made available.

Safeguards will be established through the delivery mechanism for the programme. The operation of the mechanism by the delivery team (Enterprise Hub) will have a good working knowledge of other funding programmes and in some instances will also act as the delivery agents for those programmes. If a Leader approach is also successful in making a bid to deliver the RDPE, mechanisms are already in place to ensure governance arrangements are linked into the Rural Partnership.

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COMMON MEASURE TEMPLATE FOR LEADER AND NON-LEADER APPROACHES

RDPE Measure Code 111 – Vocational training and information actions

Rationale for Intervention

This measure will be used in Cheshire & Warrington to raise the overall level of skills in the farming, food (& drink) and forestry sectors as a means of improving the competitiveness of these industries and the contribution they can make to a better environment and healthy prosperous communities.

Activity under this Measure links with Sub-Regional Rural Priority 2 and sub-priority 2.3 “ Meeting the vocational Training needs of today’s farming and food sectors” within the Regional Rural Delivery Framework.

Agriculture supports around 2% of employment in the rural sub-region, in order to maintain and increase the level of employment skills and knowledge in the farming and food sectors, direct support needs to be made available to assist existing employees and new entrants into the sector. Low numbers of skilled forestry agents and contractors is limiting the further development and use of Cheshire’s woodlands.

Cheshire has a strong agricultural business sector, representing 22.7% of the business stock in the rural and dispersed areas. Non-accredited training is the only training available for particular skills and activities that help to support this sector. It is therefore reliant on assistance to ensure its continued delivery and provide a means for potential beneficiaries to gain access.

There is a proven strong demand particularly for affordable non-accredited training. This has been illustrated through subsidised payments being available through the Rural Enterprise Gateway for the past 2 years. It is likely that by the end of this 3 year funding, demand will have been more than double that originally anticipated. Over a time period of eight months Rural Skills Brokers were required to assist 105 individuals to identify their training needs. Of these 8 have enrolled on accredited training courses, and 50 have gone to non-accredited courses. The role of the Rural Skills Broker in supporting these businesses to identify their needs and locate suitable courses has been key in the benefit that these businesses have gained from the training and subsequent implementation.

New skills and the diffusion of knowledge is key to the competitiveness of agricultural, food and forestry sector businesses. The demand for non-accredited and accredited training appears to be cost sensitive and constrained by affordability. This in turn limits the availability of training offered.

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Objectives of the Intervention

The aim in Cheshire & Warrington is to broaden the scope of training, advice, facilitation and diffusion of knowledge activities to adults directly involved in agriculture, food and forestry matters in order to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of their enterprises and to ensure high environmental and quality standards.

Allocation (%) 60%

Equal Opportunities

Those involved in delivering this Measure will be required to ensure the proactive promotion of equality at all stages of its implementation including the preparation of literature and publicity material, guidance for delivery staff, and the criteria for targeting of support under the Measure. All applications for support under the Measure will be equally judged on their merits by the relevant delivery body which will put processes in place that will prevent discrimination on grounds of gender, race or ethnicorigin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Sustainable Development

Give details of the approach to be taken for the whole measure in terms of sustainable development.

Vocational training will increase the overall level of skills in farming, food and forestry helping to improve the environment and countryside, enhancing the environmental impacts of land management. The measure will increase opportunities for the transfer of knowledge and skills enhancement. Improve resource protection skills and management to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.

ACTIVITY ONEDescription of Proposed Activity

Support will be provided to broaden the scope and provision of training available to the sectors where there are gaps in existing provision and thus contribute to their competitiveness. Support will be provided to individual trainees, providers of training and individual information service providers.

Funding for individual trainees, engaged in a business, organisation or social enterprise to undertake sector specific vocational training (maximum 50% intervention rate) where no other funding is available.

The training to be undertaken must be aimed at increasing the overall level of skills in farming, food and forestry, as a means of

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improving the competitiveness of these industries. This meets the RES Transformational Action 30 to develop a skilled workforce in rural areas and 118 to promote sustainable farming and food production. Both accredited and non-accredited training would be eligible for support.

Both technical and economic training will be eligible under this measure to ensure that technology and entrepreneurial skills are developed and transferred in order to achieve a more productive sector. Examples of training that will be included (though not limited to) follows:

Animal health and welfare Supply chain management, technology and efficiency Supply chain collaboration/cluster development ICT and the use of new technology applicable to the industry Training to support primary processing Management skills, including (though not limited to) effectively running collaborative ventures, product development,

project and staff management. Business skills, including (though not limited to) introducing innovation and marketing Product development and marketing Leadership and management New market development Practical and technical livestock, crop and non-food crop husbandry skills Benchmarking Environmental land management, including heritage based skills Production and utilisation of bio-energy Climate change adaptation and mitigation Waste and energy resource use Product quality

Legislative training which business and their employees are required to undertake will not be eligible for support.

The training under these areas of activity can be delivered through a number of mediums including (though not limited to) group and 1-2-1 teaching, workshops, seminars, lectures, master classes, demonstrations, practical, study tours, mentoring and network groups. All formats of technology and knowledge transfer will be considered eligible.

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Training providers and formally constituted groups/organisations can apply to deliver courses under this heading, providing the course and its beneficiaries are eligible and that sufficient demand exists, i.e. a demonstrable gap in current provision exists. Systems should be implemented to ensure the additionality of training activity supported (i.e. that courses are not supported through RDPE when other provision exists or alternative funding may be available to make the course affordable) and that the training complements that provided by other funders such as LSC/ESF (particularly in relation to Train to Gain). It is expected that the Business Link brokerage model will provide signposting to eligible beneficiaries.

Type of Support Grant to individuals (maximum 50% intervention), engaged in a business, organisation or social enterprise to undertake sector

specific subsidised vocational training where no other funding is available. Supporting the provision of training and its development .

BeneficiariesIn the agricultural and food sectors, trainees must be engaged in a business, organisation or social enterprise which is dependent on agriculture or utilises any agricultural products. In the case of training for the forestry sector, trainees must be engaged in a business, organisation or social enterprise which is dependent on woodland or utilises any woodland or forest products.

Key beneficiaries will be individuals and micro-businesses, SMEs that after receiving training will be better able to contribute towards the overall level of skills in farming, food and forestry, as a means of improving the competitiveness of these industries.

Total CostIt is expected that of the 60% of Axis I funding allocated to this measure, 40% or approximately £110,000 should be allocated under this sub-section. At a 50% intervention rate for the training subsidy, and an estimated average course cost (for both accredited and non-accredited training) of £360 per course, which includes management & admin costs of the grant scheme. [650 training courses will be subsidised annually.[ NL – comment I am querying this figure not sure how it was derived]

Intervention Rate (%) 50%

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Coverage Agricultural, food and forestry sectors

Indicators and Targets The outcomes will be focused on businesses either achieving a qualification if the course is accredited, or by illustrating that the

skills have been implemented in the business

No of participants in training pa : 300No of training days received pa : 400

Delivery AreaEligible beneficiaries in Cheshire & Warrington

Demarcation Give details of whether this activity could be delivered via any other funding stream such as ESF or ERDF.

Activity will only be supported where there is a gap in provision. Where other funding is available applicants will be sign posted as appropriate.to avoid duplication.

ACTIVITY TWODescription of Proposed Activity

Business Link North West have skills brokers. Therefore is this activity necessary.

I. Training needs analysis (TNA) to be undertaken to ensure activity one is delivered

The TNA will focus on ensuring that the skills required by the businesses are clearly identified, and the appropriate training courses sourced through planning and research. The TNA will identify gaps in provision and future trends to ensure that the businesses can be competitive and to enhance sustainability. The TNAs will aim to sign-post to other providers of funded training such as HE, Train to Gain where such training better meets the needs of the business. The TNA may also include specific assessment of the needs of the target sectors in the sub-region.

In addition to this, activity will be organised to deliver technical workshops/seminars, business clubs and mentoring where gaps in provision exist. Examples of training that will be available is as follows:

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Animal health and welfare Supply chain management, technology and efficiency Supply chain collaboration/cluster development ICT and the use of new technology applicable to the industry Advice to support primary processing Management skills, including (though not limited to) effectively running collaborative ventures, product development,

project and staff management. Business skills, including (though not limited to) introducing innovation and marketing Product development and marketing Leadership and management New market development Practical and technical livestock, crop and non-food crop husbandry skills Benchmarking Environmental land management Production and utilisation of bio-energy Climate change adaptation and mitigation Waste and energy resource use Product quality

Type of Support Access of the training needs of the target sector to ensure the appropriate activity is supported under activity one and/ or sign

posting to other funding regimes. (The detail for the delivery of this measure will be decided by sub-regional partners )

BeneficiariesIn the agricultural and food sectors, trainees must be engaged in a business, organisation or social enterprise which is dependent on agriculture or utilises any agricultural products. In the case of training for the forestry sector, trainees must be engaged in a business, organisation or social enterprise which is dependent on woodland or utilises any woodland or forest products.

Key beneficiaries will be individuals and micro-businesses, SMEs that after receiving training will be better able to contribute towards the overall level of skills in farming, food and forestry, as a means of improving the competitiveness of these industries.

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Total Cost Give details of the total cost of the activity including other sources of funding.

At a cost of £200 per TNA including coordination of the activity based on 650 assessments per year a budget of £130,000 has been allowed for this capacity building activity.

Intervention Rate (%)

Give details of the proposed intervention rate to support this activity.

I. The TNA assessment and associated activity will be provided free to clients/beneficiaries. (100% intervention)II. Any support for group type activity e.g. business clubs, workshops and seminars etc will operate at an intervention

rate of 80%

Coverage Provide details on the coverage of support, e.g. spatial or thematic targeting.

Agricultural, food and forestry sector

Indicators and Targets

Provide details of the indicators and targets from the draft RDPE which the activity will deliver.No of participants in training pa : 200 (figure to be reviewed)No of training days received pa : 100 (figure to be reviewed)

Delivery Area Indicate whether this activity could be delivered either regionally or sub-regionally.

To be delivered sub-regionally in Cheshire & Warrington. Would need to clarify the role of the Business Link NW skills brokers in relation to some of the activity proposed.

Demarcation Activity will only be supported where there is a gap in provision.

Where other funding is available applicants will be sign posted as appropriate to avoid duplication.


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RDPE Measure Code 123 – Adding value to agricultural and forestry products


Agriculture in Cheshire is dominated by livestock production, 73% of agricultural area is in grassland (compared to 47% across the whole of England). Grazing livestock and dairy make up much of this. Agriculture also supports around 2% of employment in the rural sub-region. In responding to policy and support regimes changes which favour competitiveness and sustainable development Cheshire’s agricultural and forestry sectors now face the challenge of seeking solutions that add value to their business. Agriculture and forestry need to find ways in which they can introduce new technologies and innovate, open new market opportunities and introduce improvements with an emphasis on quality and environmental protection. The under-utilised woodland resource (9,740 ha) has much potential to provide added value goods and services.

Cheshire agricultural businesses represent 22.7% of the business stock in the rural and dispersed areas, these businesses are having to increasingly become more competitive in the long-term in order to continue to operate in the open market, increase or at the least maintain the current levels of employment and become sustainable in the long term. Assistance towards the adding of value to agricultural and forestry products will help these businesses to adapt and become sustainable.

Objectives of the Intervention To assist in the longer term sustainability of agriculture and forestry, the interventions outlined in this measure aim to improve

efficiency in processing, marketing, promotion and processing of agriculture and forestry products thereby adding value.

Allocation (%) 20%

Equal Opportunities

Give details of the approach to be taken for the whole measure in terms of equality of opportunity.

Those involved in delivering this Measure will be required to ensure the proactive promotion of equality at all stages of its implementation including the preparation of literature and publicity material, guidance for delivery staff, and the criteria for targeting of support under the Measure. All applications for support under the Measure will be equally judged on their merits by the relevant delivery body which will put processes in place that will prevent discrimination on grounds of gender, race or ethnicorigin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Sustainable By building profitable, innovative and competitive farming, food and forestry sectors that meet the needs of the consumer and

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Development make a net positive contribution to the environment, improvements will be felt in the environment and countryside, enhancing the environmental impacts of land management. The measure will increase the development of market opportunities to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.


Farm and Forest holders (micro, small and medium sized enterprises) will be able to apply for support towards the processing and marketing of existing products and towards the development of new products, processes and technologies. This will include investing in and promoting value added local food, including organic produce through provision of technical support, product development, marketing and promotion advice and guidance.

Small processors that deal with small quantities of high added value products and on farm processing enterprises will be targeted.

One way to help ensure a more stable level of income generation is for the business to enter into other enterprises to add value and to broaden the market place for products.

The proposals would provide assistance to :- purchase capital items such as processing equipment market the product, particularly where it can be distinguished from other products or serves a niche market.

Targeting primary producers including organic produce, the proposal would provide local food producers and forestry operators with support to help them better connect with the market, helping them to:-

obtain a better price for their produce and products link with a broader market develop new products and open new markets introduce new technology or processes improve quality standards, occupational health and safety.

Type of Grants to individual businesses. Farm and Forest holders (micro, small and medium sized enterprises) will be able to apply for grants towards the processing and marketing of existing products and towards the development of new products, processes and

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Support technologies. The proposal would provide assistance to the primary producers to :-

Market and promote their produce and products Obtain technical support from specialists Identify ways in adding value to primary products Find new markets and niches. Access local food hubs Process and market wood fuels prior to industrial processing

Beneficiaries For agricultural products eligibility will be limited to micro, small and medium sized enterprisesFor forestry products eligibility will be limited to micro-enterprises

Total Cost20% of total allocation under Axis I to be allocated to this measure.

Intervention Rate (%) Maximum 60%

CoverageSub-Regional coverage. Agricultural, food and forestry sectors.

Indicators and Targets Number of enterprises supported: 3 per annum.

Total volume of investment £80,000 per annum. Number of enterprises introducing new products and/or techniques 3 per annum.

Delivery AreaSub-regionally.

DemarcationActivity will only be supported where there is a gap in provision. Where other funding is available applicants will be sign posted as appropriate.to avoid duplication.


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RDPE Measure Code 124 – Co-operation for the development of new products


There is growth potential in the sub-region for collaborative working arrangements, between producers and producers and processors. Initiatives such as the Local Food Hubs project demonstrate growth in the development of collaborative working within the sub-region and the benefits of this. Further scope and capacity exists in local markets to increase the level of co-operation towards meeting the growing demand for quality and locally sourced foods and renewable raw materials such as wood fuel. Opportunities exist to improve competitiveness and profitability by working collaboratively, increasing opportunities to develop new products, processes and technologies.

This measure will help to reconnect elements of the food chain and in particular farmers with their markets. There is also a need to develop and build supply chains and facilitate the future growth of certain markets such as renewables. Working collaboratively to pool resources and knowledge will help in the development of new products, processes and technologies will help to deliver these aims.

Links with Sub-Regional Rural Priority 2 and sub-priority 2.2 of the Regional Rural Delivery Framework; “Development of an economically viable farming and food industry”.


Co-operation between producers and producers and processors for the development of new products, processes and technologies in the agricultural, food and forestry sectors. To take advantage of innovative approaches, design, product, process or development. To support the development of co-operation before the application of newly developed products/processes/technologies, helping to overcome some of the barriers facing small enterprises.

Both vertical and horizontal collaboration is to be supported, to reflect the need to bring producers closer to the their markets, as well as helping producers to benefit from economies of scale, helping to spreading risk and gain efficiency from investment.

Allocation (%)20%

Equal Those involved in delivering this Measure will be required to ensure the proactive promotion of equality at all stages of its implementation including the preparation of literature and publicity material, guidance for delivery staff, and the criteria for

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Opportunities targeting of support under the Measure. All applications for support under the Measure will be equally judged on their merits by the relevant delivery body which will put processes in place that will prevent discrimination on grounds of gender, race or ethnicorigin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Sustainable Development

By promoting and encouraging greater collaboration and co-operation between producers, and between producers and the rest of the supply chain this measure will make a net positive contribution to the environment, improvements will be felt in the environment and countryside, enhancing the environmental impacts of land management. The measure will increase the development of market opportunities through co-operation and collaborative working to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.


Collaboration will benefit primary producers in agriculture and forestry, the processing industry and/or third parties and partners involved in the cooperation projects.

Support for collaborative ventures will link with proposals set out in Measure 123 where adding value and where this can best be achieved through the development of new enterprises that build on primary products such as milk within the dairy sector.

Under this proposal preparatory operations such as design product, process or technology development and tests and other tangible and/or intangible investments related to cooperation. Collaborative working arrangements will be supported for:-

Joint ventures in the establishment of processing units Development of local food hubs Development of shared facilities for food businesses Transfer of new technology Strengthening linkages between producers and processors.

Type of Support

To develop and deliver collaborative ventures.

Beneficiaries Key beneficiaries are primary producers in agriculture and forestry, the processing industry and/or third parties and partners involved in the cooperation projects. Support is to be made available to all sectors of the agriculture, forestry and food industries.

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Total Cost 20 % of total Axis I allocation.

This equates to £80,000 p.a.


Up to 80% - dependent upon the nature of the activity.

Coverage Support is available to all sectors of the agriculture, forestry and food industries in the sub-region.


Number of co-operation initiatives supported (Target to be set by Partners after consultation)New enterprises introducing new products and/or techniques (Target to be set by partners following consultation)

Delivery Area Sub-Regionally Demarcation

Activity will only be supported where there is a gap in provision. Where other funding is available applicants will be sign posted as appropriate.to avoid duplication.


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RDPE Measure Code 311 – Diversification into non-agricultural activities


Agriculture is going through some key adjustments and restructuring, partly influenced by the CAP reforms which provide new challenges for agricultural based businesses.

Farm diversification is one of the key options available to help sustain farm enterprise and business activity making rural areas more sustainable and better able to support the rural economy. Farm diversification can also have wider benefits beyond the farm gate, especially where there are linkages between farms and the local economy. Projects will deliver additionality and not displace other similar business enterprises

There is already within the sub-region a high level of entrepreneurial activity, the opportunity exist to encourage and to continue to grow this high level of activity in Cheshire. The need exists to support this activity as the one most likely to be successful and bring the greatest benefits to the sub-region, compared to other interventions that might be more appropriate in other parts of the region.

Regional Rural Delivery Framework - Links with Sub-Regional Rural Priority 1 and sub-priority 1.3 “Direct and target support to new enterprises to increase start-up rates

Data provided for the sub-regional rural evidence base, suggests that Cheshire displays high levels of entrepreneurship in its rural areas. This is reflected in the levels of business start up rates in rural towns that are similar to urban areas. Business survival rates are also higher in rural areas than urban areas, especially in the towns.

There is a concentration of self-employment in rural areas which suggests that a broad and diverse range of businesses are being established by individuals who would greatly benefit from direct support. This is particularly the case in relation to farm households that are now seeking to diversify into other activities.

Of the 400 enquiries received into the Rural Enterprise Gateway, over 200 are from farms wishing to diversify (around 12 new enquiries per month). Farmers tend to supplement their income from other farming enterprises. 50% of dairy farms in England already have at least one other enterprise that they have diversified into.

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Objectives of the Intervention Creating an alternative income stream from diversification activity to support and encourage farm businesses to develop and

grow a secondary income stream by diversifying into a range of activities that may include retailing and manufacturing, environmental technologies and renewable energy.

Allocation (%)50 % of Axis III – £165.000

Equal Opportunities Those involved in delivering this Measure will be required to ensure the proactive promotion of equality at all stages of its

implementation including the preparation of literature and publicity material, guidance for delivery staff, and the criteria for targeting of support under the Measure. All applications for support under the Measure will be equally judged on their merits by the relevant delivery body which will put processes in place that will prevent discrimination on grounds of gender, race or ethnicorigin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Sustainable Development By helping farm enterprises to diversify in to non- agricultural activities this measure will help to strengthen innovative and

competitive farming, food and forestry sectors to make a net positive contribution to the environment, improvements which will be felt in the environment and countryside, enhancing the environmental impacts of land management. The measure will increase the development of market opportunities to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.


In order to help farmers grow and sustain their businesses and the associated employment support is to be targeted at this client group to help them diversify towards the creation of secondary enterprises.

The proposal therefore is to establish a Farming Member Enterprise Grant that provides support towards non-farm related diversification.

The proposal is for support to be given to a range of secondary and non-agricultural activities based on the following examples:- Trading enterprises such as farm shops. Agricultural Services such as contracting.

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Equine enterprises Leisure (shooting and fishing) Retailing, manufacturing or service industries Environmental technologies and services, including the traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the

landscape. Storage and supply of wood fuel

Support will be provided through:- Grant aid towards the costs of capital investment Market research and feasibility studies Marketing support, product development, branding and design costs Technical skills acquisition (if not available under measure 58 (331) – training and information) Technical support towards the establishment of new businesses.

Type of Support

Grants to individuals and farm businesses.

BeneficiariesAvailable to members of a farm household who are exercising an agricultural activity on the farm at the time of the application for support.

Total CostBased on 20% of Axis III - This equates to £65,000 p.a.


Intervention rates will vary between projects with an average rate of 40% expected at Measure level.

CoverageSub-regional coverage of farm enterprises


Provide details of the indicators and targets from the draft RDPE which the activity will deliver.

Number of beneficiaries (Targets to be agreed by partners)

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Total volume of investment (Targets to be agreed by partners)Number of jobs created (Targets to be agreed by partners)

Delivery AreaCheshire and Warrington sub-region

Demarcation Activity will only be supported where there is a gap in provision. Where other funding is available applicants will be sign posted as appropriate to avoid duplication.

ACTIVITY TWODescription of Proposed Activity

In order to help farmers support and sustain their farm business, additional support is to be targeted at this client group to help them diversify towards the creation of secondary enterprise.

Eligibility for the grant is limited to those linked to an existing farm enterprise. The proposal therefore is to establish a Small Building Fund to provide support towards the conversion of redundant workspace into productive use and new build,

The proposal is for support towards Office or workspace conversions New build

Support will be provided through:- Grant aid towards the costs of capital works Grant aid towards the costs of Technical support architect fees, engineers and consultants etc

Type of Support Grants to individuals and farm businesses.

BeneficiariesAvailable to members of a farm household who are exercising an agricultural activity on the farm at the time of the application for support.

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Total CostBased on 30% of Axis III - This equates to £100,000 p.a.


The proposal will be run on a competitive basis. Maximum intervention 25%.

CoverageCheshire & Warrington sub region - coverage of farm enterprise diversification


Number of beneficiaries ( To be agreed by Partners)Total volume of investment Assume cost per job of £8k. (To be agreed by partners)Number of jobs created (To be agreed by partners)

Delivery Area Could be delivered regional or sub-regionally in Cheshire & Warrington . With local knowledge adding value preference is for sub regional delivery



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RDPE Measure Code 312 – Support creation & development of micro-enterprises

Rationale for Intervention Regional Rural Delivery Plan - Links with Sub-Regional Rural Priority 1 and sub-priority 1.3 “Direct and target support to new

enterprises to increase start-up rates.

Micro businesses form a vital component of the rural economy, providing jobs and underpinning social cohesion. The Sub-Regional Rural Evidence base suggests that Cheshire displays high levels of entrepreneurship in its rural areas. This is reflected in the levels of business start up rates in rural towns that are similar to urban areas. Business survival rates are also higher in rural areas than urban areas, especially in the towns. New business start-up rates have risen from 47 in 2004-5 to 444 in 2005-6. With appropriate help many micro businesses could be established or expanded to stimulate economic growth, innovation, competitiveness and to create employment opportunities.

There is a concentration of self-employment in rural areas which suggests that a broad and diverse range of businesses are being established, the majority of businesses entering the market are classed as micro enterprises.. Evidence of existing activity from The Rural Enterprise Gateway shows that in the region of 200 rural enquiries have been received from non farm diversification related; this demonstrates a high level of rural business activity outside agriculture. Business Link has found an increased demand for assistance from businesses in rural areas; in 2003-4 1090 businesses were assisted, this has risen to 2351 during 2005-6. Support for the setting up and development of micro-businesses in a non-agricultural business, recognises the changing economic landscape of rural areas and the diminishing role that agriculture has as a key driver for increased productivity and improved GVA add something around ‘suggests significant growth amongst individuals whose businesses would greatly benefit from direct support for their establishment or growth’

Rural town economies are more reliant on small scale service activities and as such the focus should be placed on supporting the smaller enterprises that provide the best opportunities for employment growth in rural areas. Manufacturing and business/finance sectors are more dominant in terms of employment for village/dispersed areas, implying that a broad range of businesses need to be given support.

Objectives of Support to existing micro enterprises or to persons that will set up a new micro-enterprise in a non-agricultural business to help them become established or grow. This measure will also provide support for the development of sustainable rural social

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the Intervention enterprises to help improve access to services and opportunities in rural areas.

The majority of micro enterprises will not be linked to agriculture or be based on an existing farm enterprise. In order that the rural economy is allowed to grow recognition has to be given to the part that non-agricultural based micro enterprises have to play in the support of the rural economy and surrounding that the part they also play in sustaining our rural communities.

Allocation (%)30% of Axis III – £100,000



Sustainable Development By helping enterprise and business activity to grow in rural areas this measure will help to strengthen and sustain rural areas,

allowing them to become less reliant on external services and top gain access to employment opportunities. This will help to make a positive net contribution to the environment, with improvements being felt in the environment and countryside. The measure will increase the development of market opportunities to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.


The proposal is to provide a general grant for capital and revenue support for micro-enterprises based in rural areas:-

to help establish new micro-enterprises, to help with the expansion of micro enterprises to assist with increasing the efficiency of the micro-enterprises to link with Measure 331 to complement the training needs of the micro-enterprise. to help retail, manufacturing or service industries.

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Type of Support

The proposal is to provide a general grant for capital and revenue support for micro-enterprises based in rural areas to be run on a competitive basis.Support will be provided through:-

Grant aid towards the costs of capital investment Market research and feasibility studies Marketing support, product development, branding and design costs Technical skills acquisition (if not available under Measure 331– training and information) Technical support towards the establishment of new businesses.

Beneficiaries Support to existing rural micro enterprises or to persons that will set up a new rural micro-enterprise in a non-agricultural business. This measure will also provide support for the development of sustainable rural social enterprises to help improve access to services and opportunities in rural areas.

Total CostBased on 30% of total Axis III allocation – £100,000

Intervention Rate (%) 40% Maximum up to deminimus

CoverageSub-regional coverage.

Indicators and Targets Number of Micro-enterprises supported (in the region of £16K per business) (to be agreed by partners)

Number of jobs created/sustained (in the region of two jobs per grant) (to be agreed by partners)

Delivery Area Sub-regionally


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RDPE Measure Code 313 – Encouragement of tourism


Tourism contributes in the region of £1.2billion to the economy of the sub-region and as such helps to create jobs and contributes to the economic growth of the rural economy.- The landscape of Cheshire is a key tourism resource. Trees and the leafy image is core to this offer.- Chester is the attack brand for the sub-region, is the challenge then to grow the rural product on the back of this? Cheshire does not have a distinct identity as a visitor destination. However it does contain a number of natural and built heritage assets and niche appeals – such as industrial heritage (salt and silk) and the edge of the Peak District in the East, and luxury country house hotels and spas, market towns, historic houses, gardens, waterways and equestrianism throughout the county.

Tourism contributes in the region of £1.2billion to the economy of the sub-region and as such helps to create jobs and contributes to the economic growth of the rural economy. The tourism product of the area is dominated by Chester which draws much of the focus, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity fior rural tourism. Cheshire does not have a distinct identity as a visitor destination. However it does contain a number of natural and built heritage assets and niche appeals. The landscape of Cheshire is a key tourism resource, trees and the leafy image is core to this offer. Further asserts include the industrial heritage (salt and silk) and the edge of the Peak District in the East, and luxury country house hotels and spas, market towns, historic houses, gardens, waterways and equestrianism throughout the county.

Activity proposed under this Measure links with Sub-Regional Rural Priority 1 and sub-priority 1.7 “ Promoting and supporting the tourism product”

Objectives of the Intervention To use natural and cultural resources to attract visitors and create new employment opportunities through the development of

the tourist sector of the rural economy. To make tourism businesses more sustainable through collaboration and resource efficiency. Are you intentionally avoiding better use of ICT?

Allocation (%)10% of Axis III – Equates to £33,000

Equal Those involved in delivering this Measure will be required to ensure the proactive promotion of equality at all stages of its

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Opportunities implementation including the preparation of literature and publicity material, guidance for delivery staff, and the criteria for targeting of support under the Measure. All applications for support under the Measure will be equally judged on their merits by the relevant delivery body which will put processes in place that will prevent discrimination on grounds of gender, race or ethnicorigin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Sustainable Development By encouraging sustainable tourism there will be a net positive contribution to the environment, improvements which will be felt

in the environment and countryside. The measure will increase the development of market opportunities to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.


The emphasis in Cheshire will therefore be less on physical product development and more on packaging and promotion of existing assets

Support :- small scale infrastructure such as information centres and signposting. recreational infrastructure such as offering access to natural areas and small capacity accommodation. towards the development and/or marketing of tourism services relating to rural tourism. Development and/or marketing of rural tourism services The development of Cheshire’s reputation as England’s leading county for equestrianism The development of Cheshire’s reputation as offering an “indulgent experience”, through more graded accommodation,

food and drink and development of market towns The development of the Weaver Valley to enhance Cheshire’s visitor appeal Develop marketing partnerships to enhance the consumer offer, increase impact, and drive sales. Develop and enhance effective clusters that embrace a wide range of visitor economy related operators working

together

Strengthening the rural product offer for the sub-region and developing new tourism opportunities in rural areas along the principles of sustainable and green tourism Promoting the vast range of tourism assets in the sub-region, that span over heritage, wildlife, regional and country parks, the

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Public Rights of Way Network, woodland , forestry and countryside activities.Type of Support

Give details of what form the support will take, e.g. grants to individuals, including any specific exclusions.

Beneficiaries This measure will provide support to existing tourism enterprises located in. and tourism related organisations operating in, rural areas, and to persons wishing to set up new rural tourism enterprises

Total Cost10% of Axis III (£33,000)


Give details of the proposed intervention rate to support this activity.

Coverage



Number of tourism actions supported ( to be agreed by partners)Additional number of tourism visits (to be agreed by partners)Number of jobs created (to be agreed by partners)

Delivery Area Sub-regional


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RDPE Measure Code 331 – Training and Information

Rationale for Intervention Outside of agriculture there is a growth in micro-businesses which provide new job opportunities in rural areas. The rural

economy is today less reliant on traditional rural land-based industries with developments in ICT, growth in the knowledge base and growth in the number of businesses that are not location reliant. Cheshire can demonstrate the development of clusters in the high-value knowledge based industries, which is one of the key drivers towards increased productivity and improved GVA. This trend will be further encouraged by the other actions proposed for this sub region under this Axis of the RDPE. Encouraging more highly skilled employment into rural areas will result in demand to a make appropriate training opportunities available to provide the skilled flexible workforce these businesses require. Providing training and information support will help the sub-region to capture, develop and grow clusters building on the existing skills base and entrepreneurial activity.

Rural businesses are less likely to have dedicated training budgets compared to their urban counterparts however there is nevertheless proven strong demand particularly for affordable training, particularly for non-accredited training . This demand has been illustrated through the uptake of the support available through the Rural Enterprise Gateway for the past 2 years. It is likely that by the end of the 3 year funding, demand will have been more than double that originally anticipated. The role of the Rural Skills Broker in supporting these businesses to identify their needs and locate suitable courses has been a key factor in ensuring that these businesses have gained benefit from the training and subsequent implementation.

The activity proposed under this Measure links with Regional Rural Delivery Framework Sub-Regional Rural Priority 2 and sub-priority 2.3 “ Meeting the vocational Training needs of today’s farming and food sectors.


A concise statement giving details of what the intervention is intended to achieve. Objectives should follow the SMART criteria and also should demonstrate consistency with both the draft RDPE and the North West RIP.

This intervention will help to give access to new skills and assist with the competitiveness of the targeted sectors by enabling businesses who are diversifying or implementing change to learn the new skills required at an affordable level. The objective is

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therefore to help sustain levels of growth in existing rural micro enterprises and encourage the establishment of new micro-enterprises by improving skills through supporting access to affordable training and information.

Allocation (%) Percentage allocation of funding to delivered through this measure. To be cumulated on an axis basis therefore total percentage allocation to axis 1, for example, should total 100% across the measures.

10% of funds allocated under Axis III



Sustainable Development Training and information outside of agriculture will increase the overall level of skills in rural areas to improve the environment

and countryside, enhancing the environmental impacts of land management. The measure will increase opportunities for the transfer of knowledge and skills enhancement. Improve resource protection skills and management to address climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to better soil air and water quality.


i) Funding for individual trainees, engaged in a rural business, organisation, charity, social enterprise or other formally constituted group to undertake subsidised training (maximum 50% intervention rate) where no other funding is available. Support will be available to ensure the training is affordable to these businesses.

The training to be undertaken must be aimed at diversifying the rural economy, as a means of improving the competitiveness and sustainability. This meets the RES Transformational Action 30 to develop a skilled workforce in rural areas and 51 to diversify the economic base and support sectors with growth potential in the rural economy. Both accredited and non-accredited training would be eligible for a subsidy,

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Both technical and generic training will be eligible under this measure, although a strong focus will be placed on generic skills to ensure that sustainable diversification is supported.

Examples of training that will be included (though not limited to) follows:

Food chain, adding value and processing Retailing, manufacturing or service industries, including recreation, equestrian and creative industries Environmental technologies and services, including traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the landscape Renewable energy Tourism

The training under these areas of activity can be delivered through a number of mediums including (though not limited to) group and 1-2-1 teaching, workshops, seminars, lectures, master classes, demonstrations, practical, study tours, mentoring and network groups. All formats of technology and knowledge transfer will be considered eligible.

Training providers and formally constituted groups/organisations can apply to deliver courses under this heading, providing the course and its beneficiaries are eligible and that sufficient demand exists, i.e. a gap in current provision exists. Systems should be implemented to ensure no duplication occurs (i.e that courses are not subsidised through RDPE when other funding may be available to make the course affordable) and that the training compliments that provided by other funders such as LSC/ESF (particulary in relation to Train to Gain). It is expected that the Business Link brokerage model will provide signposting to eligible beneficiaries.

Type of Support

Give details of what form the support will take, e.g. grants to individuals, including any specific exclusions.

Support to training and information providers for activity that improves competitiveness.

Beneficiaries Give details of the beneficiaries the activity will support, e.g. individuals, micro-enterprises, SMEs or training providers.

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Total Cost Give details of the total cost of the activity including other sources of funding.

It is expected that of the 10% of Axis III funding allocated to this measure, 70% or approximately £ 25,000 should be allocated under this sub-section. At a 50% intervention rate for the training subsidy, 200 training courses will be subsidised annually. The outcomes will be focused on businesses either achieving a qualification if the course is accredited, or by illustrating that the skills have been implemented in the business.


Give details of the proposed intervention rate to support this activity.50%

Coverage Provide details on the coverage of support, e.g. spatial or thematic targeting.Eligible rural businesses in Cheshire & Warrington



Number of economic actors participating in supported activity – 200pa

Number of days training received by participants - 150 paDelivery Area Indicate whether this activity could be delivered either regionally or sub-regionally.

The grants would be administered on a sub regional basis although it is envisage that regional organisations such as Business Link North West would sign post businesses to the grant scheme through their skills brokers who would have conducted TNA;s with business.

Demarcation Give details of whether this activity could be delivered via any other funding stream such as ESF or ERD

Activity will only be supported where there is a gap in provision. Where other funding is available applicants will be sign posted as appropriate to avoid duplication.

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Documents

Cheshire%20Plan_15oct2007