An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2007. One of the primary requirements of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared for at least three consecutive months. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as not meeting this minimum requirement, the person in question is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking, i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports, or details of a REPS or Commonage Framework Plan, which provides for a lower stocking level.
The person named was written to and invited to submit appropriate evidence of the number of sheep maintained on the farm. The REPS Plan and the Commonage Framework Plan were submitted and have been examined. My Department has reviewed this case on foot of a submission with supporting documentation made by the applicant's consultant, and has decided that payment can issue in this case. It is expected that payment will issue shortly to the person named.