Great News about the Community Orchard and Market Garden in Portford Lane
You may be aware that SSB has been negotiating with South Hams District Council for a 99-year lease of a field within the Hope Wood site for a Community Orchard and Market Garden.
The negotiations commenced in October 2024 following the offer of “Heads of Terms” outlining the proposed conditions of the eventual lease.
The lease was to take the form of a Farm Business Tenancy. Negotiations have progressed quite slowly with discussions between SHDC and SSB via solicitors. There is some feeling that an FBT is not entirely appropriate for the transaction given the 99-year term and a “Not for Profit” stipulation. FBTs are normally for shorter terms and permit operation for profit.
Despite these and other issues negotiations were progressing whilst the Charity were able to conduct a limited range of activities under 3-month licencing arrangements. In March 2026 140 mixed top fruit trees were planted and protected to establish the beginning of the Community Orchard.
There were, however, restrictions on the development of the project due to the absence of SSB’s control of the site pending the lease. For example, urgently improving access involves significant costs and raised the question of spending the charity’s resources without a settled lease. In addition, access to grants and agricultural subsidies are subject to having control of the site before application.
The Trustees were therefore delighted to be informed on the 30th of April that SHDC were preparing to offer to sell the freehold of the site on good terms, discontinuing the lease discussions.
The principle of the transfer was agreed by SHDC on 4th June and SSB trustees have agreed to progress the purchase, engage a solicitor and allocate funds for the conveyance.
This change solves many of the issues which arose from the proposed lease, we are grateful to SHDC for the opportunity and their unwavering support of the project.
