Concessions available for Le Tour affected farms

Farmers and landowners who are signed up to environmental stewardship schemes and whose businesses could be affected by the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, are being urged to apply for special derogations.

The Country Land and Business Association has worked closely with Natural England to introduce special derogations for members with land in agri-environment agreements, Countryside Stewardship agreements, or a Site of Special Scientific Interest, when the Tour de France comes to Yorkshire on July 5-6.

Only a handful of farmers have contacted Natural England so far, raising fears that many are still not fully aware of the extent to which they will potentially be affected by the event.

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Dorothy Fairburn, the CLA’s regional director, said: “These derogations will allow members to set up temporary facilities such as campsites, car parks and toilets but more importantly they will also allow changes to land management regimes, such as grass cutting dates, to allow more flexibility.

“Farmers with fields close to the route and a cutting date soon after the event, for example, should consider applying for a derogation if they are concerned about spectators trampling on the field, leaving them unable to cut at the agreed time.

“We have been surprised by how few farmers have taken advantage of this and are concerned there is still a general lack of awareness about how much disruption and also potential for new business the event will create.”

On July 5, the event will pass through many parts of the Dales during a circular route via Hawes and Muker. For advice about applying for derogations, call CLA North on 01748 907070.