FW: Long Live Lower Shaw Farm

[adrian wholewoods]

>From: "Lower Shaw Farm" <andrea at lowershawfarm.co.uk>
>Reply-To: "Lower Shaw Farm" <andrea at lowershawfarm.co.uk>
>To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
>Subject: Long Live Lower Shaw Farm
>Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 15:46:36 -0000
>
>Dear Friend of Lower Shaw Farm
>
>It's nice finally to find time to write to you again, to explain a few 
>things since our last letter of information, sent last month, telling you 
>about the proposal to sell off LSF for development. And by the way, sorry 
>we have not written or communicated more often. Simply no time, especially 
>with things moving so swiftly and changing daily.
>
>Well, what a difference a month makes!
>
>Your fantastic support, writing letters and making your views known, has 
>not only helped highlight the true value of LSF but has also been a 
>wonderful source of support and encouragement to us as we worked through 
>negotiations with the Council, dealt with the considerable press interest, 
>while at the same time trying to do our daily duties, normal things, to 
>keep the farm going!  Every day your letters helped us.
>
>We are writing to you now to tell you of an outcome achieved this week, 
>which, though not yet cast in stone, is a verbal agreement between SFL and 
>SBC, and which we expect to be honoured. This is it.
>
>AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN SWINDON BOROUGH
>
>COUNCIL AND TRUSTEES OF LOWER SHAW FARM
>
>
>
>An agreement has been reached in principle between Swindon Borough Council 
>and the Trustees of Lower Shaw Farm, which it is intended will secure both 
>the future of the activities at the farm, and allow the Council to realise 
>some needed capital from the site.
>
>
>
>This agreement will mean that some of the existing Lower Shaw Farm land, 
>plus areas near its perimeter, will be used for a high-quality sustainable 
>housing project while the main part of the farm will remain and continue 
>its activities.
>
>
>
>The aim of the agreement is to allow the Council to get better value from 
>the site while also allowing the valuable work which goes on at Lower Shaw 
>Farm to continue.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>This can be seen as an exciting opportunity to create an 
>environment-friendly development which complements the work which is being 
>done at the farm and could be great for Swindon.
>
>
>
>This agreement, approved by the farm's Trustees and the Leader of the 
>council, is based on the following main points.
>
>
>
>* that this agreement be approved and honoured by full Council (it was, in 
>principle, agreed and voted for by all parties at a full Council meeting 
>last night)
>
>* that a new lease is agreed with the farm's trustees that is suitably long 
>for them to continue to do and develop their work, offers security of 
>tenure, and allows for an option to buy
>
>* that land from the site that is earmarked for development of the 
>sustainable housing project is not of a size or range that interferes with 
>the farm's key activities
>
>* that the proposed eco-housing development is of true sustainable quality 
>and to the highest possible standards in this regard
>
>* that cooperative and constant negotiation and consultation between the 
>Council and the farm's Trustees is maintained to ensure this agreement is a 
>success for LSF, SBC, and Swindon
>
>
>
>There are of course still many details to sort out but, in principle, if 
>honoured, we see this as a good solution. In fact, we think it augurs well 
>for the future of LSF, its relationship with SBC, an exciting eco-project, 
>and your future use of Lower Shaw Farm!
>
>
>
>The whole exercise, though tricky and something of rollercoaster, has been 
>a wonderful example of people speaking up and defending something of value. 
>And now, there is no triumphalism on our part. In fact, we see this as a 
>victory for many things, including common sense,  the people's voice, 
>democracy, the workings of local government, press freedom, understanding, 
>and sensible and imaginative negotiations.
>
>
>
>There is still lots more to do to make this agreement work but this letter 
>is just to say thank you for you part in it, and to let you know that LSF 
>lives on and is ready and waiting for your next visit!
>
>
>
>If you want to know more, give a ring (though not always possible to chat, 
>sorry) or come and see us, or look at these sites on which much is 
>accurate.
>
>
>
>http://www.swindonlink.com/   http://www.adver.co.uk/
>
>
>
>Till we meet again, keep well.
>
>Love and greetings.
>
>
>
>Matt, Andrea, and all at LSF
>
>

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