News from Acorus
Client Feedback for Acorus
Date: May 2013
One of our SE clients has given us some lovely feedback when we sucessfully got a certificate of lawfulness (CLEUD) for their property. They wrote "We would like to thank you very much for your services in this matter and we are obviously very pleased at the outcome." See our 'Fact Sheets' pages for more information on CLEUDs and other planning related topics. At Acorus we have expert consultants at all our branches who can advise and guide you through the... read more
Acorus at Devon County Show 2013
Date: May 2013
Acorus will be attending this years Devon county show on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th May. We will be sharing the CLA stand (No. 227) and will have our expert consultants available to provide helpful advice on planning related matters. We look forward to seeing you there. read more
* * STOP PRESS * *
Date: May 2013
CHANGES TO PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT From the 30th May 2013 new permitted development provisions will come into force affecting various development areas including house extensions, change of use of agricultural buildings and change of use of B1 (a) office space to residential dwellings. Many of the provisions detailed in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development ) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 are available for temporary periods only and therefore steps to utilise these... read more
May 2013 Update - Defra - ADHAC Appraisals
Date: May 2013
To ensure that the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs fulfils his obligations in respect of tied housing in the agricultural and forestry industries, local housing authorities may request the Secretary of State to appoint Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committees (ADHACs) to advise on the need to rehouse former workers under the provisions of the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976. Acorus Rural Property Services Limited is retained by Defra to provide technical... read more
Rural Dwellings - testing for need and income
Date: April 2013
A recent public inquiry held in Mid Devon has allowed an appeal relating to the need for on-site accommodation involving smallholding-scale, low impact ecological systems. Although Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7) has for over 12 months now been replaced by the NPPF, Annex A relating to agricultural and other occupational dwellings remains as a guide. The key drivers for establishing the strength of a dwelling application are the functional and financial tests. The nature... read more
Appeal Won for New Agricultural Dwelling
Date: April 2013
Planning permission through an appeal has been won for the demolition of an existing building on a farm in Peterborough, the erection of a permanent agricultural dwelling and reinstatement of the access. The decision made by Peterborough City Council to refuse the original planning application was based on their concern that the business was not well established or economically viable. Brian Barrow from Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted an appeal on behalf of the owners which... read more
Acorus Provide Expert Advice to Maidstone Borough Council
Date: April 2013
Maidstone Borough Council have avoided a Hearing when the Claimant agreed to sign a Compromise Agreement following specialist agricultural advice from Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd. The Claimant was seeking compensation from Maidstone Borough Council in relation to an application for consent for removal of protected woodland following a Tree Protection Order (TPO). In 2009, the planning application for the erection of an agricultural barn to support the growing alpaca enterprise was... read more
Permission for Mobile Home Granted at Appeal Plus Costs
Date: March 2013
Planning permission has been granted for the change of use of land for the stationing of a mobile home to supervise an agricultural business following a successful appeal by Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd. The site has been subject to a number of planning applications over recent years and the latest, for a mobile home, was initially refused due to concerns for development in the countryside and the effect the proposal would have on the character and appearance of the surrounding rural... read more
Acorus Client Mitigates with RSPB to Enable Cattery
Date: March 2013
Planning approval has been granted for a cattery near Exeter, South Devon subject to a number of conditions being met including landscaping works, parking areas and improvements to the visibility splays at the entrance to the site. In addition, it was agreed that the owners mitigate the RSPB’s concerns over the local cirl bunting population via a contribution towards the management of their habitat. Teignbridge District Council granted permission for the cattery with a licence for 40... read more
Controversial Pet Store Approved
Date: March 2013
A controversial plan to open a pet and Equestrian supply store in Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire was approved at appeal and costs won following an initial rejection by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Brian Barrow, MD for Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, submitted an original application for the change of use of a building at the site in question to a poultry, pet and equestrian store. The planning officer was happy that the proposal would fit within the relevant policy and recommended... read more
Defra - ALT Net Annual Income Assessment Services
Date: February 2013
To ensure that the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs may fulfil his obligations in respect of agricultural land tenure legislation under which any close relative of a deceased tenant, the nominated successor (in a retirement case), the landlord or the Secretary of the Agricultural Land Tribunal (ALT) may request the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to determine the net annual income of a unit of agricultural land. Acorus Rural Property... read more
CLEUDs Achieved for Three Acorus Clients
Date: February 2013
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd has recently achieved Certificates of Lawfulness for three delighted clients. A Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) is a certificate which can be obtained from the Local Planning Authority and will prevent enforcement by that Authority against any breach of planning policy or conditions. A CLEUD can be applied for when the occupants of a property have not complied with an associated tie or condition but have lived there for 10 years or... read more
Potted Planning History for Acorus Client
Date: February 2013
When the rented site being used by an Acorus client was sold for development, her successful equine business had to be moved to some land she had previously purchased and initiated a series of planning issues with which Acorus assisted. Matt How, Senior Business Consultant for Acorus, obtained a Certificate of Lawfulness legalising the two stable buildings already on site which had no planning permission. An agricultural barn built in 2003 has since been granted Change of Use for the stabling... read more
Recent Approvals for Anaerobic Digester Plants
Date: February 2013
Anaerobic Digester (AD) plants are a source of renewable energy and should be supported by local authorities; a viewpoint Acorus has used to support three recent planning applications for AD facilities. At the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the presumption in favour of sustainable development. As the point of AD units is sustainable energy production, developments of this kind should be looked upon favourably by local Planning Authorities. Mid Suffolk District... read more
Changes in Permitted Development Rights
Date: February 2013
Perhaps gaining planning permission might be getting easier, at least it seems that way, temporarily, following the announcement last week from Eric Pickles regarding proposed changes to permitted development. The changes are likely to be implemented from Spring 2013 and, in short, seek to provide the following: • To allow change of use from commercial B1(a) office use to residential in built-up areas i.e. unlikely to benefit rural buildings. • A change... read more
NPPF Allows Change of Heart at Appeal
Date: February 2013
Introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March 2012 meant that planning permission was granted for a manager’s occupational dwelling which had previously been rejected on a rural based, industrial enterprise. Mick Robson, Technical Director for Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, acted on behalf of an established business near Darlington to obtain planning permission for a residential dwelling on-site to house a key worker to manage the day-to-day business. At a... read more
Government Pilot Road Improvement Scheme
Date: February 2013
As part of the Autumn 2013 Statement announcements on public investment to support growth in the nation’s economy, Chancellor George Osborne said that it is the Government’s ambition to reduce the time taken to plan and deliver new roads by up to a half. The Government is piloting a new delivery model for planned upgrades to the M1, M3, M6 and the A160/180 at Immingham. It is the Government’s intention that these pilots will help speed up the delivery of major road schemes in... read more
Section 52 Agreement Discharged by LPA
Date: January 2013
An Acorus client can now sell his property and land without the burden of a legal agreement after the Local Planning Authority accepted that the Section 52 Agreement associated with the property was no longer relevant. The property in question had a long planning history associated to it with original planning consent granted in 1980 for pig buildings and an agricultural dwelling. The dwelling was subject to a Section 52 Agreement which included an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC) rather... read more
Defra - ADHAC Appraisals - January 2013 Update
Date: January 2013
On 19 December 2012, Defra ministers confirmed the Government's decision to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board, Agricultural Wages Committees and Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committees. The timetable for abolition of ADHAC's during 2013 will depend upon the passage of the Enterprise Bill through Parliament. Also, there will be special transitional provisions to ensure that ongoing ADHAC applications can be completed. In the meantime, Acorus will continue to provide... read more
Acorus gets AOC lifted from asparagus farm
Date: January 2013
Forest Heath District Council have permitted the removal of an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC) on a former asparagus farm located in Kenny Hill, Suffolk. Historically, the land had been farmed but became unprofitable following changes in the asparagus market. It became less specialist pushing out smaller growers and future farming on the land is extremely limited; the small holding is very small with poor quality buildings and very light sandy land with no irrigation. In short, there is... read more
GPDO Case for Local Authority
Date: December 2012
Brian Barrow, Acorus MD, was instructed by Cambridgeshire County Council to report on an area of land in Cambridgeshire being investigated in connection with an Enforcement Notice with General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) issues. A GPDO makes certain agricultural operations permitted without the need for planning permission however in this particular case, the land owner appeared to be using the grounds for waste disposal as a change of use. Mr Barrow was asked to report on whether the... read more
Replacement Intensive Pig Finishing Unit
Date: December 2012
A client approached our South West team seeking help to replace his existing pig finishing buildings with a larger facility which will increase pig places from 1,170 to 1,800. It will also provide improved waste handling, pig handling and collection, unloading and feed storage facilities. The planning application submitted by Acorus sought to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with a single open structure with appropriate roofing. To meet the new NVZ Regulations a new slurry store... read more
Featured Article - Barn Conversions
Date: December 2012
CAN I STILL CONVERT A BARN INTO A DWELLING? In recent years planning authorities have tended to favour the reuse of barns and other rural buildings for business use rather than residential use, with some removing residential conversions from policy completely. Where support for residential conversions has continued it has usually been after exhaustive justification has been provided that there is no other suitable economic purpose. Justification can involve a lengthy marketing... read more
Major 4500 Tonne Grain Complex Approved in Norfolk
Date: December 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd (Acorus) has gained planning permission for the erection of a large grain store on a disused meteorological site in Hemsby, Norfolk. The owner of the land had first considered the need for a new larger grain store over 10 years ago to enable his arable farming enterprise to meet modern combining rates and modern grain storage demands. In the past, the process has been hampered by countless issues including traffic and appearance concerns. More recently,... read more
Planning Fees Increase of 15%
Date: November 2012
Planning fees have increased across England this week following a Government announcement in July of its intention to raise fees by 15%. The Government defended its plans for a one-off increase in planning fees of around 15% in July 2012 explaining that it was a ‘one-off adjustment to up-rate fees in line with inflation amounting to around 15 per cent since 2008’. Chief planners were written to last week by the Government to confirm the new fees and advise that the final Statutory... read more
Recent Planning Approvals for South West Office
Date: November 2012
The following planning permissions have been granted on behalf of clients via Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, South West: - New agricultural workers dwelling in South Somerset. - Three slurry lagoons in Cornwall. - One agricultural workers dwelling for poultry farm. - Change of Use for an agricultural building and land to be used as a ménage and equestrian facilities in Mid-Devon. - Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) for a client in North Devon. -... read more
Acorus Response to Defra's Consultation on Abolition of ADHACs and the AWB
Date: November 2012
Ted Rogers, Acorus Director, has responded to the consultation from Defra on the proposed abolition of the Agricultural Wages Borad (AWB) and the Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committees (ADHACs). Ted's main focus is on government departments and has many years of experience managing the Acorus estate management and professional support contracts for Defra. A copy of his letter in response to the consultation can be found here. Details of the consultation can be... read more
Derbyshire Equine Business Negotiates Planning Minefield
Date: November 2012
Anthony Atkinson, Planning Consultant for Acorus Rural Property Services, has been expressly mentioned on a client’s website to highlight the excellent service he gave in assisting them during their challenging planning process. Barbara Robinson of ‘Petsitting Derbyshire’ wished to realise her dreams for an equine business including a pony trekking venture and to expand her dog-sitting enterprise, on her land in Derbyshire. She had specific ideas for horse training and riding... read more
Defra - Consultation on Abolition of ADHACs and the AWB
Date: October 2012
Defra has commenced a consultation on the proposed abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) and the Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committees (ADHACs). Details of the consultation can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/10/16/agri-wages-board/ Working for Defra, Acorus provides independent agricultural appraisals for the ADHACs in England and will be responding to the consultation from this practitioners’ perspective. A copy of our response will be placed on... read more
AOC Removed from Bungalow in Billericay
Date: October 2012
Acorus submitted an application for an agricultural occupancy condition to be removed from a bungalow on a farm in Billericay which demonstrated there was no longer a need for the tie either on the holding or in the locality. The client had previously undertaken substantial marketing of the property with a local agent over recent years but even at a realistic guide price, there had been no interest. Given there is no agricultural business associated with the property and, after a further... read more
Happy Birthday Acorus - 10 Years Old!
Date: October 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd was founded in 2002 following a buy out of ADAS Rural Property Services by the management team. By agreement with Defra and ADAS, Acorus retained the professional estate work for Defra’s rural estate and has achieved great success in managing the property aspects for them. Ted Rogers, Acorus Director, continues with the diverse work for Defra which includes statutory functions and in 2010, he was appointed in a private capacity by the Ministry of... read more
Implications of Use Classes for Certificates of Lawfulness
Date: October 2012
Certificates of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUDs) - What Are They? When development has taken place without planning permission the Local Authority have the power to enforce against it, normally with the requirement to cease the operation or remove the structure in question. However, where the breach has taken place for a number of years it can be exempt from enforcement. Use of Buildings Normally a Certificate would only be granted if a use e.g. car repairs had been carried out... read more
Deed of Discharge Granted - AOC
Date: September 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd have been successful in getting the tie lifted from a property in Bedfordshire when they conclusively demonstrated that there is no longer the need for an agricultural dwelling either on the holding or in the locality. Although a planning application was refused and thereafter dismissed at Appeal in January 2011, Acorus have gone on to gain a Deed of Discharge in relation to the property from Huntingdonshire District Council. In March 2011, Acorus re-launched... read more
Poultry Planning Activity Persists
Date: September 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd have seen continued activity in the poultry sector with several poultry unit applications currently in the planning system. Brian Barrow, Acorus MD, shares his views and thoughts on the current poultry climate; There is still a lot of activity in the sector and below is a range of current applications. The main interest seems to be in replacing old broiler sheds and changing old laying units to broilers although we are also working on the replacement of free... read more
London Borough of Havering Grants CLEUD
Date: September 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use and Development (CLEUD) application for the retention of a dwelling which had not been built in compliance with the conditions attached to the original planning permission. The property, which had been built in 2006, differs significantly from that originally approved to the extent that it is not the same property. The plans had been for the creation of staff accommodation at a property in Essex but the owners had... read more
Agricultural Building to Successful Hairdressers Salon
Date: September 2012
Business is booming at a hairdressers salon on the Isle of Wight and will hopefully continue to do so following the success of an application made by Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd for the retrospective change of use of an agricultural building. The building, previously used as a farm shop, office and store was in a poor state of repair when purchased by the current owners, Mr & Mrs King several years ago. It was repaired recently with improvements made and was then occupied by the... read more
Recent Approvals for Acorus South East
Date: September 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, South East obtained planning permission for an occupational dwelling in support of an equestrian business in Cambridgeshire. Currently, the equine centre comprises an American barn style building, 16 stables and an all weather manege and horse walker to provide a fully inclusive livery service to horses. There are two experienced equestrian workers who undertake the day to day management of the horses and a mobile home on site provides them with overnight... read more
AOC Removed Just 4 Weeks Following Submission
Date: August 2012
Cotswold District Council granted permission to remove an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC) on a property in Gloucestershire just four weeks after Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted the application. The property was built in 1981 following planning consent with an associated AOC for the owners to live in and assist with the adjacent family farming operation managed by two of their sons, the eldest one living at the main farmstead. In 2011, with the couple both deceased, the... read more
Proposed Planning Reforms 2012
Date: August 2012
For the first time since 2008 planning application fees are set to rise from Autumn 2012 and quite significantly. This decision, which was announced on the 4 July 2012, has transpired following a shortfall in fee income against the planning process reported by the majority of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) which has lead to the ordinary council tax payer subsidising the planning process. The proposed increase of 15% will significantly effect large agricultural units and other major... read more
Retrospective Planning Permission Achieved
Date: August 2012
Anthony Atkinson, Planning Consultant for Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd gained planning permission retrospectively for an agricultural building on which an enforcement notice had already taken effect. Interestingly, permission had been sought previously by the owner who had commissioned other agents to submit applications but these had been refused and the building was subject to enforcement action which meant the building had to be removed by 30 July 2012. The owner had missed the date to... read more
Acorus Appraisal Supports Braintree District Council Decision
Date: July 2012
Commissioned by Braintree District Council, Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd evaluated an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for an agricultural dwelling at a farmstead in Essex. The owner had applied for a permanent dwelling on-site to support the agricultural activities on the farm in December 2010 but the application had been refused. It was felt at the time that although some of the work carried out from the site had an agricultural linkage, there were other sources of... read more
Recent Approvals for Acorus Wolverhampton
Date: July 2012
Planning Permission has been granted for a log cabin to provide temporary residential accommodation in association with an equestrian enterprise in Matlock. A Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUD) has been granted by South Lakeland District Council for a dwelling where it was proven that the property had been occupied as a separate dwelling for at least 4 years. Planning Approval received for an agricultural dwelling to provide accommodation for key worker at a Cumbrian farm. read more
Permanent Dwelling Approved to Replace Mobile Home
Date: July 2012
The owners of an agricultural business in Spalding, Lincolnshire have had their application for a permanent residential dwelling approved in a timely manner, just as the permission for their existing mobile home on-site is due to expire. The Acorus clients have been farming as a business for a number of years and need an on-site presence to monitor calving cows, sick animals and generally to be available day and night to attend to all housed stock. It was for this reason that permission was... read more
Appeal Succeeds - Enforcement Notice Quashed
Date: July 2012
A client of Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd was extremely happy with the successful outcome of an appeal which resulted in the associated enforcement notice being quashed. The enforcement notice applied to an agricultural building on the owner’s site which, according to North Norfolk District Council, had been built as a dwelling and not as the agricultural building for which permission had been granted under prior notification consent. In their view, the building had not been utilised... read more
3 Sets of Planning Permissions Granted for 1 Client
Date: June 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services have achieved 3 separate planning permissions for one client which include the erection of an office and store, a polytunnel and a permanent dwelling at an exotic plant nursery based in Cambridgeshire. The horticulture business has been growing in size and reputation in recent years selling exotic indoor and outdoor plants different to the more common native species. The increase in demand for more drought tolerant plants has ensured the continued growth of the... read more
Aylesbury Vale & Uttlesford DC Grant Planning Permissions for Stables
Date: June 2012
Aylesbury Vale District Council has granted planning permission for stables and an extension to an agricultural building at a property in Buckinghamshire to develop a horse breeding stud business. The proposal is for a modest stable block and to extend the existing agricultural building on site for the storage of hay. They will both be of traditional design to mitigate their impact on the environment. Acorus’ application outlined that this is a small scale equestrian enterprise which is... read more
Dirty Water Storage Lagoon - Planning Approved
Date: June 2012
A planning application submitted by Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd for a dirty water storage lagoon at a Glastonbury farm has been approved by Mendip County Council. The owner of the specialist dairy farming enterprise commissioned Acorus to carry out a full report in support of the proposed development which would provide a new dirty water storage lagoon with sufficient storage for the existing farm units and limited provision allowed for potential future expansion. Currently, the slurry... read more
Planning Permission for Agricultural Building in Cornwall
Date: June 2012
Cornwall Council have granted planning permission for the construction of a general purpose agricultural building at a property in Looe, Cornwall. James Whilding of Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd carried out an appraisal of the site and submitted a full report on behalf of the client. The application to site a general purpose storage building on the holding detailed that it would be used to store straw, hay and essential equipment in a secure way. The building will be of a typical... read more
Certificate of Lawfulness Granted in Rochdale
Date: June 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd obtained a Certificate of Lawfulness for a property in Rochdale having satisfied the Local Authority that the dwelling had been in existence and continuous use for the past four years. Prior to the construction of the house, the owners had lived at the farm in a mobile home type accommodation and had been in residence at the farm since 2002. Anthony Atkinson, Planning Consultant for Acorus, submitted an application on behalf of his clients with supporting... read more
Office Move for Acorus Midlands
Date: May 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd Midlands Office has now moved premises and is successfully set-up at the following address: Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd Pendeford House Pendeford Business Park Wobaston Road Wolverhampton WV9 5AP Tel: 01902 625023 read more
AOC Removed from Suffolk Property
Date: May 2012
Permission was granted for an Agricultural Occupancy Condition to be removed from a property in Suffolk after Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd applied for the tie to be lifted. The property, currently unoccupied, is a small bungalow located adjacent to some former agricultural buildings which are now used for business purposes and surrounding grassland used for horse grazing. Part of a larger agricultural business which produces a simple arable rotation of wheat and rape, the property in... read more
Recent Planning Approvals for South East Office
Date: April 2012
The following planning permissions have been granted on behalf of clients via Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, South East: • Mobile home approved for a horse unit in Huntingdon. • Planning permission granted for extension to a barn at a Buckinghamshire farm. • Permission granted for an agricultural building plus permitted development for a track at a client’s property in Buckinghamshire. • Planning permission approved for stables and a hay barn adjacent to a... read more
Poultry Planning 2011/2012
Date: April 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services reports continued interest in erecting modern poultry units judging by the number of planning applications they are dealing with. Brian Barrow, Acorus Managing Director, explains that ‘With planning fees of up to £50,000 plus the cost of Environmental Impact Assessments on top, upfront fees for poultry developments are high. Neither of these fees can be recouped if the application is unsuccessful therefore applicants need to be very serious about going... read more
National Planning Policy Framework 2012
Date: April 2012
The government released the final version of the National Planning Policy Framework on 27 March 2012 and is effective immediately. It significantly reduces more than a thousand pages of National Policy Guidance and is intended to make planning much simpler and more accessible. There are some important changes but the overall objective of the newly designed Framework is to speed up decision making and reduce bureaucracy. There is a clearer definition of sustainable development, an explicit... read more
Acorus Win 2 Year Contract with Wiltshire Council
Date: March 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd are pleased to announce that following a competitive tender exercise, they have been appointed by Wiltshire Council to provide specialist design and contract administration associated with capital works on their agricultural estate. The contract will be for 2 years and will involve design, planning and project management for new livestock buildings, silage and waste facilities on the predominantly dairy farming estate. As part of the tender process,... read more
Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) 2012
Date: March 2012
Under the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) legislation, all affected livestock farms should have had in place at least 5 months slurry storage on 1st January 2012. Many farmers appear to have missed this deadline. The next closed period for spreading restrictions starts on 1st October 2012 so it is essential that there is adequate storage on the farm by that date. There is a significant risk of formal proceedings and possibly prosecution if the Environment Agency seek to enforce such action.... read more
Acorus at Agricultural Buildings Show - 27 March 2012
Date: March 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd will again be exhibiting at this year’s Agricultural Buildings Show at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on Tuesday 27 March 2012. Acorus lead the way in providing property, planning, design and land use consultancy to the rural sector and will be located at stand number 74. We provide creative, cost effective solutions via our professional, highly motivated and dedicated team of Chartered Surveyors, planning consultants and designers. We offer a unique... read more
Unusual Tie Lifted
Date: February 2012
Acting on behalf of a property owner in Kent, Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted an application for the property’s agricultural occupancy condition (AOC) to be removed which, although the council’s consultant identified issues with, it was ultimately approved. Gravesham Borough Council instructed an independent consultant to carry out an assessment following Acorus’ application for the tie removal. The report recognised that the condition was an unusual one and... read more
Planning Permission Granted for Agricultural Dwelling
Date: February 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd obtained planning permission for a second permanent dwelling at a farm in Essex to supervise their pig unit. The owners, who currently live in the existing house on the property, needed a further house for their son who works full time with them managing the farm and is a partner. A second onsite worker was proven essential to assist with general animal husbandry duties and emergencies, day or night. Intensive pigs need 24 hour care and supervision in case of... read more
Holiday Tents and BBQ Hut Approved for Suffolk Farm
Date: February 2012
Suffolk Farm used our Farm Diversification Services to help with plans to erect two tented holiday lodges and a barbeque hut to generate a backup income. With a growing poultry enterprise which had increased in size over previous years, new stocking rules enforced in 2009 meant that the owners were forced to decrease the number of birds they housed. Additionally, the demand and supply of free range eggs in the UK has grown dramatically in recent years resulting in an over supply situation... read more
Change of Use Through to Agricultural Occupancy Condition Removal
Date: January 2012
The owner of a farm in Green Belt Tyne and Wear which had originally been established as a poultry enterprise in the 1950’s, wanted the now obsolete agricultural tie attached to the dwelling removed. Over time, the once thriving poultry business reduced in size until ceasing completely in 2008 at which point the farm buildings were put to use as stabling. Anthony Atkinson, Acorus Consultant, submitted an application for the Change of Use of former poultry buildings to equestrian use with... read more
Two Planning Permissions Granted for Farmhouse Extension
Date: January 2012
Planning permissions for two extensions to a Suffolk farmhouse have been granted after Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted sound applications supporting the need for larger accommodation. Birch Farmhouse is a modest sized three bedroom cottage but the needs of the family and business means that more space was needed. The office space is too small to house the ever growing amount of paperwork generated by the expanding poultry business and the kitchen/dining area is often used to... read more
IagSA National Conference 2012
Date: January 2012
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd are this year sponsoring the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries & Administrators (IagSA) National Conference which will be held on 9–11 March 2012. The event will be held at Albrighton Hall Hotel in Shrewsbury and will be addressing the theme ‘2012 and Beyond – Moving Forward’. The event has been publicised to over 900 members throughout the UK and attendance of 100-150 are expected. IagSA members include self employed Book... read more
Planning Enforcement Changes - Deliberate Concealment
Date: January 2012
By April 2012 a new Bill comes in to effect that changes the time limits for enforcing against ‘deliberately concealed’ breaches of planning control. At present, unauthorised development becomes immune from enforcement action after four years in the case of operational development (ie. the erection of buildings or the creation of a dwelling) and ten years for general changes of use of land or buildings including breaches of condition. A Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or... read more
Recent Planning Approvals for South East Office
Date: January 2012
The following planning permissions have been granted on behalf of clients via Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, South East: - Removal of an agricultural occupancy condition on a farm bungalow (Central Bedfordshire Council) - Erection of an agricultural building and a mobile home for residential purposes to supervise agricultural business (East Northamptonshire District Council) - Erection of a rear single storey lean-to extension (Mid Suffolk District Council) Contact: Brian... read more
New Dairy Parlour Approved
Date: December 2011
The owner of a farm business in Norfolk, which has been in the family since 1938, had plans for a new state of the art dairy parlour and enlisted Acorus to manage the project. Billockby Hall Farm has grown in size over the years and the previous parlour, which was over 25 years old, was in need of replacement. It was no longer able to cope with the greater herd numbers in an efficient manner with milking taking over 12 hours per day. The planning application submitted by Acorus for the new... read more
Temporary Dwelling Approved for Rare Breed Poultry Enterprise
Date: December 2011
The son of the owners of a large arable holding primarily utilised for equine, had plans to expand the rare breed poultry enterprise he had started from their property in 2008. Mr Morton has extensive expertise and experience in dealing with rare breed poultry as it has been a hobby for many years which enabled him to build the business. As the stock levels grew, Mr Morton was able to begin selling the birds he had bred and reared. With further plans to progress the business, all of which... read more
Caravans and Part of an Agricultural Barn for Residential Use Get CLEUD
Date: December 2011
A client’s Christmas has come early after Wealden District Council issued a decision notice granting a Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) for various accommodation being used on his property for residential occupation. Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted an application for a CLEUD in relation to 2 caravans and part of an agricultural barn being used for residential purposes on a farmstead in Battle, East Sussex. The client had been using this... read more
Further Planning Success for Acorus Clients
Date: November 2011
Having already gained planning permission and a significant grant for a butchery, Graham and Miranda Palmer returned to Acorus for further help when they found themselves evicted from their tenanted farm. The Kent farmers had approached Acorus in 2009 to help them obtain planning permission to develop their livestock business and butchery facility on-site. Matt How was successful on their behalf and also secured a substantial grant through the Rural Development Programme for England to support... read more
Stories of interest via Planning Portal News (Nov 2011)
Date: November 2011
- Wind turbine refusals alarm green power industry - News round-up 28 October read more
A Steady Flow of Success
Date: October 2011
Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd are experiencing a flush of achievement with a series of Agricultural Occupancy Conditions (AOC’s) and Certificates of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD’s) being approved. A tie was lifted from a property in Norfolk which formerly provided accommodation for a dairy farm which had ceased keeping cows in the 1980’s. Acorus submitted an application to have the condition removed by showing that there was no longer a need on the holding or... read more
Planning Application Granted - replacement dwelling
Date: October 2011
A Planning Application has been approved for a replacement dwelling at a farmstead location in Buckinghamshire. The property had been subject to a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) application which was granted on 2 September 2010. The owners have since developed plans for a replacement dwelling which although bigger in size, would be more sympathetic in design and blend in with the surrounding environment. Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd submitted an application to... read more
Stories of interest via Planning Portal News (Oct 2011)
Date: October 2011
- Government consults on implementation of changed rules for levy - News round-up 14 October read more
Changes to the Administration of the Agricultural Land Tribunals (ALT)
Date: October 2011
As from 31 October 2011, the administrative support for the Agricultural Land Tribunals (ALT) will be transferred from Defra to Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). All current cases will be transferred by Defra to HMCTS and as from 31 October, any further communications in respect of those cases will be directed to their offices. Any new applications after 31 October will also be directed to Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Services. Defra will be retaining... read more
Acorus Client Featured in The Telegraph
Date: September 2011
Mike Porter from Hill House Farm in Suffolk has taken a long-term view on investments like renewables and is now reaping the rewards. Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd carried out a feasibility study and vetted installation quotes for a Solar PV system to be installed on top of Mr Porter’s new grain store last year and they are already generating a good return for his business. This follows on from his first investment of a biomass boiler in 2006 following a research trip to Denmark and... read more
Stories of interest via Planning Portal News (Sep 2011)
Date: September 2011
- Prime Minister intervenes over planning reform concerns - Green Power move planned - Planning round-up 15th September read more
Dwelling Now Lawful After Nearly 30 Years of Unlawful Living
Date: September 2011
After nearly 30 years of living in his home without planning permission, an Acorus client wanted to remedy the situation and commissioned Acorus to obtain a Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUD). Anthony Atkinson, Senior Planning Consultant for Acoruss submitted a full and comprehensive application with supporting documentation showing the property had been in use as a dwelling house for a period in excess of the required minimum. Mr Atkinson comments ‘My client had lived in the property for... read more
Planning Granted for Horse B&B and Hippotherapy Arena
Date: September 2011
Planning permission has been granted for 2 stable blocks and an outdoor manege at a farm in North Devon to develop plans for a Horse B&B and Hippotherapy facility. The 50 acre plot which is registered as organic grassland farm is currently run as a mixed beef and sheep unit with a number of self catering units for holiday makers seeking a rural location. The owners wanted to develop their business further with one stable block providing horse B&B facilities for holiday let visitors who... read more
Acorus Helps Animal Film & TV Stars Relocate to Bucks
Date: September 2011
Birds & Animals UK Ltd specialise in providing bird and animal talent to the Film and TV industries. Based at Leavesden Film Studios in Hertfordshire for the past 10 years, the UK arm of the USA based enterprise, was initially set up to service UK films including Marmaduke, Marley & Me, 101 & 102 Dalmations, Nanny McPhee and the Harry Potter films. These are just a few of the company’s impressive credits not to mention the provision of animal talent for commercial programming. ... read more
Acorus Director Achieves Accolades For Services to the Agricultural Industry
Date: September 2011
We are pleased to announce that Ted Rogers, our Company Chairman and Director, Corporate and Government, has recently received two accolades recognising his many years of experience and service to the agricultural industry. Following a rigorous selection process by the Ministry of Justice, Ted was honoured to accept the Lord Chancellor’s appointment as a Lay Drainage Panel Member of the Agricultural Land Tribunal, Midlands and Western Tribunals. Ted has also been awarded a Certificate to... read more
DEFRA Land at Throckmorton Airfield - SOLD
Date: September 2011
In December 2010 Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd (Acorus) took instructions from Defra to sell the Department’s part of an old RAF airfield at Throckmorton near Pershore in Worcestershire. The land was offered by informal tender at a guide price of £850,000. The land, which had been designated as ‘surplus’ by Defra, totalled 155acres (65ha) of freehold land including a former airfield building which, subject to planning, held considerable development potential. At... read more
Stories of interest via Planning Portal News
Date: August 2011
- Habitat strategy unveiled by Government - MoD objection halts turbine plan - Ministers hit back at development threat read more
Large Pig Building Approved
Date: August 2011
Planning permission has been granted for a large pig building on an established pig farm in Suffolk. The main farmstead consists of a range of traditional and non-traditional agricultural buildings. The ones still suitable for pig use had become uneconomic - labour usage was high due to the inefficient layouts, and it was also impossible to achieve the current welfare standards particularly incorporating the modern pollution control measures. The proposed building incorporates a modern,... read more
Appeal Withdrawn as AOC Removal Secured Beforehand
Date: August 2011
Acorus were able to withdraw an appeal application for an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC) removal when planning permission was granted for the tie to be lifted before the hearing. The original planning application was refused several months previously when Chelmsford Borough Council considered that the property, located in Sandon, Essex, had not been publicised for sale or let at a price to reflect the occupancy condition therefore any lack of long term need was not proven. It was also... read more
From Garden Centre to Touring Caravan Site - Change of Use Approved
Date: August 2011
The owner of a former garden centre site in Bourne, Lincolnshire was thrilled when Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd obtained approval for the change of use of the derelict site to a touring caravan site. Originally, planning permission was granted in 2007 for a new general purpose agricultural building. However, due to the changing market place, the horticultural business was never started and as such, the barn was constructed but subsequently left redundant. In 2009, the owner decided to... read more
Stories of interest via Planning Portal News (Aug 2011)
Date: August 2011
- Councils urged to ‘map’ property and land assets - Illegal church finds salvation - Natural England plans new enforcement regime for SSSIs read more
Temporary Dwelling Appoved at N. Yorks Fishing Lakes
Date: July 2011
Hambleton District Council approved the application for a temporary dwelling at fishing lakes in North Yorkshire when it was accepted that a manager was needed onsite to provide emergency care of the fish stock. Stonebridge Fishing Lakes at Little Fencote, North Yorkshire are fed by natural spring water and stocked with hard fighting Rainbow Trout which are reared in the North Yorkshire Dales. Mature trees surround the lakes and it is in this area of rural setting where the Local Planning... read more
Obsolete Occupancy Condition Gets Removed
Date: July 2011
A client was overjoyed to have the Occupancy Condition removed from her Cheshire property after Acorus proved that the tie had outlived its usefulness and was now obsolete. Commenting that it was ‘a job very well done’, she could not thank Acorus enough for their contribution. After stables and a stud farm had been established at the property planning permission was granted at appeal for a dwelling in 1992, albeit with a specific occupancy restriction in relation to the equine... read more
Testimonial From NFU Reader on Acorus
Date: July 2011
The Editor of NFU Countryside has been in contact with Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd to relate a success story from a very happy reader after she read our adverts placed regularly in the NFU. Julia Tolton’s equestrian business had continually grown over the last 25 years with buildings and an arena built without planning permission. With a house move imminent, she was aware that a speedy CLEUD application was needed. She had received the NFU Countryside magazine regularly for some... read more
Planning Permission Successes for Acorus SW
Date: July 2011
The following planning permissions have been granted on behalf of clients via Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, South West: - Full planning permission for a permanent occupational dwelling in South Somerset for a livery yard - Full planning permission for a general purpose agricultural building on a poultry unit in Mid Devon - Full planning permission for an agricultural worker’s dwelling on a poultry unit in Test Valley Borough Council - Full planning permission for the retention of... read more
CLEUD For Property Within Dartmoor National Park Authority
Date: June 2011
A client lived at a property within the Dartmoor National Park Authority which had an agricultural occupancy imposed upon it. The Planning Authority were concerned that the occupation was in breach of the condition and because of this, served a Planning Contravention Notice. It was at this stage that Acorus was asked to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness on the client’s behalf, as the non-compliance was in excess of ten years. The Park Authority appeared keen to enforce and an... read more
Recent Land Sold
Date: June 2011
Recent Land Sold: Acorus has had recent success with the sale of land and associated outbuildings at various locations throughout the UK. The plots sold have been of varying sizes ranging from a 3 acre paddock to a plot of land totalling to 155 acres which included part of a former Airfield. 1. Land in Ely, Cambridgeshire This land included a block of well maintained grassland with natural spring, timber barn and portal framed barn in a total plot of 6.8 ha (17 acres). SOLD 2.... read more
CLEUD Granted and AOC's Proved Null & Void
Date: March 2011
A Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUD) was granted for a bungalow in rural Herefordshire when it became apparent that the dwelling had been built in the wrong place. The owners had originally obtained planning permission for a bungalow, which was built in 1996. The planning consent was subject to an agricultural occupancy condition; both on the bungalow and also the farmhouse within the ownership of the applicants. Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd was appointed to remove the agricultural... read more
Overnight Nursery Plan Approved in Green Belt 2011
Date: February 2011
The Plans to convert redundant farm buildings into a children’s nursery have been approved by Warrington’s planning committee after Acorus submitted an application for the development. The proposal was for the change of use of a traditional agricultural building located in a Green Belt area in Warrington into a children’s nursery, and with two former grain store buildings being used for car-parking and a covered play area. Additionally, the nursery facility includes overnight... read more
Cleud Granted For Equestrian Development
Date: September 2010
A client enthused praise for Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd when their CLEUD application was approved enabling them to sell their property. The owner of an equestrian development in Paulton, North Somerset, wanted to sell their property and needed to regularise various developments which had been undertaken over previous years. A CLEUD (Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use or development) will establish that an existing use of the buildings or land is lawful. The... read more
Double... No Trouble!
Date: August 2010
The owner of a farm in Norfolk is delighted to receive planning permission to double the size of his free range poultry unit to keep 64,000 birds. The existing building housed 32,000 birds and the proposal was to extend on both ends with an increase of 16,000 birds in each. Mr Barrow, Acorus MD managed the application and recommended that in terms of limiting cost and assessing the Planning Authority's response, a separate ... read more
