What is a Rural Chartered Surveyor? Rural Surveyors (or Land Agents) offer professional advice working alongside professional advisers such as accountants and solicitors. They provide advice on Agriculture, Farm Diversification, Finance, Planning Consultancy, Strategic Development, Property Agency, Compulsory Purchase, Taxation and Renewable Energy Projects. Becoming a Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor brings with it a […]
Posted on September 30th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
When is development immune from enforcement action? You may remember the case of the farmer who wrapped his house in straw bales. In 2001 Robert Fidler built a new house on greenbelt land in Surrey and hid it behind straw bales www.telegraph.co.uk. In 2006 he removed the straw bales to reveal the house that he had […]
Posted on September 14th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
In this blog Andrew Troughton of Carver Knowles, Chartered Surveyors and Land Agents in Worcestershire explains all: Disclaimer 1 – This article is not about Pension Auto Enrollment, but looks at how farmers can use SSAS Pensions (Small Self-Administered pension Schemes) to take control of, and better use their pensions. Disclaimer 2 – We are Land […]
Posted on September 11th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
One of many promises made by the Conservatives during the run up to the election was to encourage rural development in order to develop the rural economy. Last week George Osbourne and Liz Truss indicated they were delivering their promise in an article in the Telegraph.They have now issued their 10 point plan so Julie Branfield, […]
Posted on August 21st, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
The New Model Clauses for England come into force on 1st October 2015 which alter the liability for the maintenance, repair, replacement and insurance of fixed equipment between landlord and tenant where tenancies are governed by the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. The Model Clauses apply to all agricultural tenancies governed by the AHA, save for […]
Posted on August 17th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
We are often asked what else could I do with my farm buildings, particularly in recent weeks when all agricultural sectors seem to be struggling with low prices and high input costs. Alternative income streams can provide a stable income to level out the undulations of farming activity and either give extra cash to invest […]
Posted on July 27th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
Andrew Troughton, Director of Carver Knowles considers how the Budget announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 8th July, may affect farmers and landowners. One of the main points revealed in the budget were the changes to Inheritance Tax. The measures announced will introduce an additional nil-rate band when a residence is passed on […]
Posted on July 13th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
Carver Knowles success in removing “Agricultural ties” continues. Carver Knowles have successfully removed an Agricultural Occupancy Condition from a Worcestershire farmhouse, even though the property formed part of a working farm and was occupied by the farmer and his wife. The farmhouse formed part of a 160 acre mixed livestock and arable unit and Carver […]
Posted on July 10th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
It has been a year of uncertainty and frustration for farmers, planners and agents alike, as all tried to steer a course through the new Permitted Development Rights legislation that allowed the conversion of qualifying barns into dwellings. Written legislation was very brief and differed from consultation documents, making life difficult for developers and decision […]
Posted on April 21st, 2015 by Andrew Troughton
Every property owner in the UK will require a valuation of their assets from time to time for a variety of reasons, not just when they are thinking about selling. Property valuations are a huge part of the work we undertake and form a major part of our training and qualifications, therefore it is always […]
Posted on March 17th, 2015 by Andrew Troughton