“The Sir John Cave-owned site, east of the A375, is currently undeveloped agricultural land and part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), but Fords’ application says there were no ‘realistic alternatives’ close to Sidmouth.”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/damning_response_to_sidford_business_park_plans_1_4582231

“Vice Lord-Lieutenant – Sir John Cave Bt DL……..lives in East Devon near Sidmouth, educated at Eton and RAC Cirencester. A farmer and landowner managing an agricultural estate comprising in hand arable farm, let farms, commercial and amenity woodland and residential property. In the past has been the Chairman of Council of Devon County Agricultural Association and was President in 2009, a Governor of Bicton College and RASE Council Member for Devon.

Past Chairman & President CLA Devon Branch and nationally sat on both Agriculture & Land Use and Policy Committees, past Chairman of the South West Regional committee. Previously a Trustee of FACE and is a Director of Mole Avon Trading Ltd. Sir John holds public appointment as a member of Agricultural Land & Drainage Tribunal, is a Vice-President Devon YFC, President Devon Association of Local Councils. He was High Sheriff of Devon in 2005.”

Sir John was former landlord of East Devon MP Hugo Swire when he lived in East Devon, though now Mr Swire chooses to maintain his second home in Mid-Devon.

The Agricultural and Land Drainage Tribunal

“What cases you can take to the tribunal
You can apply to the tribunal if you want to:

issue a certificate of bad husbandry if the tenant isn’t farming the land properly
order the landlord to provide or repair fixed equipment”

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/agricultural-land-and-drainage-disputes-apply-to-a-tribunal