On 28th February, as part of their 150th Anniversary celebrations, Luscombe Maye hosted a Rural Seminar at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre – supporting the local Farming Community during these uncertain times. The Abbey was the perfect setting for a successful evening of discussions.
Andrew Stevenson, Associate and Ross Talbot, Lettings Manager, began with a Lettings appraisal covering issues such as the present state of the lettings market, an update on lettings compliance, and the services that Luscombe Maye provide. Letting a property in the South Hams and surrounding areas is a profitable enterprise as a result of chronic supply and demand. The number of homes available to rent in the area are 38% below the 5-year average which has resulted in exceptional levels of rental growth and higher average rents per calendar month than the South West Average. Andrew and Ross outlined updates to the Tenants Fees Act 2019, as well as what might be expected from the proposed Rental Reform Bill.
Emily Woodruff, who is a Chartered Surveyor in Luscombe Maye’s Rural Professionals Team, then gave a presentation outlining future farming subsidies – both one off and annual payments – Countryside Stewardship Schemes, Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI), and most notably Catchment Sensitive Farming grants. Catchment Sensitive Farming grants aim to work with farmers to improve their water, air and soil quality, and were historically only available to those in water quality priority areas. However, these grants will now be considered for those in medium and high water quality priority areas which cover the majority of the South Hams and surrounding areas landscape, and can be used for concrete yard renewal, roofing, livestock and machinery tracks.
Amanda Burden, Director, and Lucinda Lyle, Associate, rounded off the presentations with a Rural Planning update, providing advice on maximising the value of farms. They covered Class R opportunities which allow the change of use of agricultural buildings to flexible commercial uses such as shops, restaurants and cafes, storage and distribution and many more. Guidance on Class Q was also provided as we near it’s 10-year anniversary, which permits the conversion of agricultural buildings to dwellings, however, Class Q may not be around forever! Advice was also offered on agricultural permitted development rights, Certificates of Lawful Use, agricultural occupancy conditions, and agricultural diversification opportunities.
The evening was concluded with refreshments, enabling attendees to enjoy the Abbey’s excellent conference facilities and rich history, and a chance to catch up with old and new friends. As Luscombe Maye turns 150 years old, please look out for more events throughout the year.
Luscombe Maye would be pleased to assist in any way we can with regard to the opportunities discussed at the seminar, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
