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THE RURAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME

Section 4 Assessment of Applications

4.1 How will applications be assessed?

On receipt of an application, an initial administrative check will be undertaken to ensure it is valid and that all the required documentation has been submitted. The Environmental Audit and, if appropriate, Moorland Management Plan will also be checked to determine whether or not they are satisfactory.

Following an appraisal inspection, the submitted Application, Audit, Moorland Management Plan and Prescriptions for Small Units applications (if appropriate) applications will be checked to ensure that they contain appropriate detail and acceptable information.

4.2 What other issues will be addressed at the initial appraisal?

EC Regulations require that where an agri-environment agreement involves management of grazing, the area of permanent grassland on the holding must be maintained and managed so that environmental deterioration from overgrazing or under utilisation is prevented. Details of the area of permanent grassland and annual stocking density will be agreed with you at appraisal. At any subsequent compliance check inspection, you will be required to demonstrate that you have complied with this requirement.

4.3 Will my application be automatically accepted?

No. The Scheme is discretionary so all applications will be subject to the selection process and may have to compete for funding. A Ranking System has been developed to facilitate selection of applications into the Scheme. The application form includes questions that will allow us to rank applications and calculate a total ranking score.

Once the resources available to fund new applications have been established, the acceptance threshold ranking score will be set. When all applications have been ranked, we will determine which of them can be allowed entry into the Scheme. This will depend on the number and value of applications submitted each year and the level of resources available to fund new applications.

4.4 If my application is turned down because the Scheme is over-subscribed, can it be reconsidered next year?

Yes. You must however re-submit it and the application will be considered afresh against all the applications being considered for approval in that year.

4.5 What happens if my application is accepted?

You will receive a letter from the Department approving your application to join the Scheme. This will normally be issued by the end of August.

4.6 What happens if my application is not accepted?

We will notify you of this and explain why your application has not been accepted into the Scheme.

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