In general this policy is supported. It is however considered that farm diversification should be related to the management of a farm or the surrounding area. B & B accommodation for tourists, a farm shop selling local produce or adding value to to local produce (e.g. cheese or cider making) should be regarded as legitimate and worthwhile examples of farm diversification. Erection of a building for office use or non agricultural engineering work should be regarded as unacceptable.

On another point, as Windwhistle is a rural ward, I welcome policies EP4, EP5 and EP8.

Wherever possible the production of food locally must be maintained not only in order to reduce food miles but also to increase the sustainability of the food supply. It is ridiculous to criticise African countries for not producing sufficient food for their populations while simultaneously destroying farmland here by building on it and rendering our population even more dependent on food imports.

8.51 Delivery bodies must include Town and Parish Councils.

8.51 Delivery bodies must include Town and Parish Councils.

I object to the Local Plan and Urban Extension on the basis that they do not follow paragraph 8.44 and are in conflict with the National Planning Policy Framework. This paragraph highlights the importance of food security and local produce, but the Urban Extension will be built almost exclusively on Grade 1 agricultural land, the most productive land possible. Once destroyed, the land can never be recovered.

I do not understand how SSDC can dictate that farms cannot spoil the countryside by "unfettered development of an inappropriate and unwarranted nature", but then propose the Yeovil Urban Extension which will do just that. I object to the Yeovil Urban Extension on the grounds that it is the type of development that paragraph 8.46 and policy EP5 aims to protect against. Though these are referring to agricultural buildings, the principle is the same. It cannot be a rule for one, and a different for

Farming needs to be appreciated as the only acceptable business in rural areas with food provision properly recompensed and appropriate diversification supported.