The RDPE programme is built around
4 'Axes' or objectives:
- Axis 1 - improving the competitiveness of the agricultral and
forestry sector;
- Axis 2 - improving the environment and the countryside
- Axis 3 - quality of life in rural areas and diversification of
the rural economy
- Axis 4 - the Leader approach (see below for how this affects
Suffolk)
Each Axis is broken into measures which set out activities
eligible for funding.
The key priorities for the remainder of the current seven year
programme (2007-2013), which is jointly funded by Defra and the EU,
are to improve the competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry
sectors, provide support for the uplands, rural broadband, skills
and tourism and ensure continued growth of Environmental
Stewardship.
All of Suffolk is covered by this large RDPE programme. For
more information on how to apply or to speak to a facilitator,
visit Defra.
Projects in the north of Suffolk may be covered by the locally
based Leader approach.
Leader Approach for the Brecks and the Waveney Valley
The Leader approach to Rural Development Programme for England
provided the opportunity for local public, private and voluntary
sector action groups to identify priorities for their areas. The
Waveney Valley and Brecks areas were eligible for this approach in
Suffolk.
The East of England Development Agency approved plans put forward
by groups from the Waveney Valley and Brecks areas meaning that
non-public sector organisations in these areas could be eligible
for grants from the £5million pot. The progamme was approved in
2008 and will run to 2013.
The fund is co-ordinated
by Norfolk Rural
Business Advice Service (NRBAS) and
Norfolk County Council on behalf of the cross county
partnership.
It is expected that individual projects coming forward to apply
for these funds from the Local Area Group (LAG) will find at least
50% of the costs for their initiative. For more details visit
Waveney Valley and
Brecks. Please note the Brecks Leader
Programme is now fully committed and closed to new
applicants.
The priorities for development of initiatives in these areas and
wards covered in Suffolk are as follows:
A Vision for the Waveney Valley
To support the businesses and communities of the Waveney Valley
in building its identity as a sustainable destination and vibrant
place to live and work.
Priority Areas
- To make the Waveney Valley accessible to all people who wish to
use it;
- To work in partnership with local businesses and communities to
help them benefit from the distinctiveness and special character of
the area;
- To encourage the development and promotion of local supply
chains;
- To increase the use of the landscape and environment for social
benefits;
- To develop meaningful and effective collaboration across the
business and community sectors to improve the prosperity of the
area.
Waveney Valley RDPE in Suffolk, local wards covered
Mid Suffolk
Eye, Fressingfield,
Gislingham, Hoxne, Palgrave, Rickinghall, Stradbroke,
Walsham-le-Willows and Weybread.
Waveney
Beccles Town, Beccles Worlingham,
Bungay, Carlton Colville, Mutford, Halesworth, South Elmham,
Wainford and Lothingland.
Suffolk Coastal
Bramfield and Cratfield.
Brecks Rural Development Programme for England Local Area
Programme
Priorities areas
- Supporting farm-based diversification with a key focus on
businesses which make use of waste or green energy options;
- Developing supply chains for energy production and local
food;
- Improving opportunities for community stabilisation and
integration;
- Identifying opportunities for rural businesses from the
Thetford Growth Point agenda;
- Assisting businesses adapt to the pressures on natural
resources caused by both climate and demographic change;
- Building on the tourism options of the area through
collaboration and environmentally sensitive tourism and
recreation.
Brecks RDPE wards in Suffolk covered by
the Programme
Forest Heath
Brandon East, Brandon West, Eriswell and The Rows, Great Heath,
Iceni, Lakenheath, Manor, Market and Red Lodge.
St Edmundsbury
Bardwell, Barningham, Fornham, Ixworth, Pakenham, Risby and
Stanton.