News from Acorus
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
Recent Planning Approvals for South West Office
Date: January 2012
The following planning permissions have been granted on behalf of clients via Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, South West: - Erection of replacement poultry buildings for broiler production (South Somerset District Council) - Installation of two 20KW wind turbines (West Devon Borough Council) - New earth ban slurry lagoon (Cornwall County Council) - New GP agricultural building (South Somerset District Council) - Relocation of farm business and provision of temporary dwelling (Mid Devon... 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
Matthew Mayne Joins Acorus
Date: July 2011
Matthew Mayne, MRICS, FAAV, joins Acorus as Rural Planning Consultant covering the Midlands area in respect of our planning and design offering. He will be based at the Wolverhampton office and will also be responsible for compensation work. Matthew’s previous experience includes Rural Surveyor for Bruton Knowles in Nottingham undertaking general planning and compensation work and as a planning officer for a Local Authority. Brian Barrow, Managing Director for Acorus says 'We are... 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