Eco activists defend settlement

Horses rather than tractors are used on the Landmatters site

A group of ecological activists who have settled on land in south Devon have defended their right to stay on the site.

MP Anthony Steen and local residents have objected to the Landmatters Co-Operative site of about 10 people in makeshift shelters at Allaleigh.

Mr Steen has raised concerns about a £4,000 Awards for All lottery grant to the Co-Operative for a water borehole.

But members say the project enhances the local environment.

Plans rejected

Landmatters bought the 42-acre site near the village three years ago and settled there last summer.

It says its intention is to educate people about how land can be worked sustainably and hosts workshops and other events.

The group produces its own power from solar cells, composts its waste and uses water from a stream and harvests rainwater.

A planning application for temporary permission for "low impact" homes was rejected by South Hams District Council planners on 3 May, but the group is appealing.

I would love to support them, but they are in the wrong place Anthony Steen

Its members, who are living in tents and "yurts" - Mongolian-style shelters - on site, all had previous experience in permaculture and organic farming.

It had applied for a Lottery grant for a water borehole to cater for participants on its courses.

But Mr Steen said: "You cannot have people turning up on a greenfield site, building a settlement and applying for public money to put in a water supply.

"I have nothing against what they are doing, but they got the money under false pretences.

"I would love to support them, but they are in the wrong place."

The group rejects the criticism, saying it was entirely open about its application.

Mr Mulder said: "Mr Steen has never spoken to us or visited the site and knows nothing about it.

"I don't know why he thinks environmental education does not warrant a grant."

The Big Lottery Fund, which administers the Awards for All grants, said the granting of money was solely to enhance the community projects at the site.

It said in a statement: "A grant of £3,972 will enable the group to establish a reliable water source at the site that meets water quality and health and safety requirements, so the site can be used more widely as an environmental resource for a range of community groups."