Agricultural Property

Whatever your agricultural property concerns, with Roythornes you are in expert hands. Not only are we one of the UK’s leading agricultural law firms, but we’re also a market leader in property development, combining these skills to bring you an intelligent, intuitive service.

Our clients include some of the biggest farming businesses in the country, both landowners and tenants, with whom we have built strong relationships, often spanning several generations. We also handle complex cases for major charities and financial institutions.

In-depth industry knowledge, extensive contacts and a close relationship with the National Farmers’ Union and other sector organisations mean we are always up to date with the very latest legislation and commercial opportunities and risks.

Sales, purchases and tenancy issues

We work with farmers, agricultural business owners and agricultural land agents across the country with all legal aspects of buying and selling agricultural property. We are well versed in the all the unique factors affecting the sector which allows us to provide a high level of advice, carefully tailored to suit your individual needs.

Through our inclusive service, we can handle the entire legal transaction as well as any associated issues that arise in the course or buying and selling farm land, including:

• Land registration matters
• Boundary rights, access, rights of way and easements
• Agricultural tenancy matters
• Overage, option agreements and pre-emptions
• Planning issues
• Minerals
• Environmental concerns, natural resources and renewables
• Chancel repair liabilities
• Licensing issues
• Commons and village green issues

Managing country estates

We can provide clear, bespoke advice about all affairs relating to landed estates, woodland, country homes and other rural property. We understand that, as the owner or manager of a country estate, you need a carefully tailored level of advice from rural lawyers who are able to quickly adapt as your legal needs diversify over time. Our expertise includes:

• Rural estate planning and trusts
• Residential development
• Managing contract farming agreements and agricultural matters such as granting and managing agricultural tenancies
• Sporting rights
• Minerals
• Environmental concerns, natural resources and renewables
• Planning issues
• Licensing and contracts

Boundary disputes

Boundary disputes can quickly become complex and frustrating situations. Whatever the outcome, you still have to live in (relatively) close proximity to your neighbours, so finding a positive yet amicable solution is beneficial but challenging.

Our specialist rural and agricultural property solicitors have experience helping people negotiate land boundaries, put in place strong boundary agreements and resolve disputes. We regularly work with other professionals, including specialist rural surveyors to establish boundaries.

With our assistance, it is rare for a dispute to escalate to full-blown legal proceedings, saving our clients considerable time and costs.  

Development diversification and mineral extraction

Our team have over 15 years’ experience in the minerals extraction sector, making us one of the leading legal teams in this area. We can assist with a wide range of matters, including minerals leases and agreements, protection of mineral rights and diversification.

Visit our Minerals page for more information.

Single farm payment entitlements

We can provide tailored advice about the basic payment scheme, which replaced the single payment scheme in 2015, covering all relevant matters, including:

• The legal rules on matters such as ‘business activities’
• Your eligibility, meeting the ‘active farmer’ test and obtaining Accountant Certificates
• Meeting the minimum standards for things such as animal welfare and environmental impact
• Agri-environment schemes and animal health and welfare schemes
• The impact of Brexit on farming and basic payments, including preparing for the future introduction of ‘delinked payments’ which will eventually replace basic payments
• Regulatory matters and cross-compliance

Specialist licences and sugar beet contracts

We can provide expert, practical advice about niche areas of agricultural law, including advice about obtaining specialist licences and sugar beet contracts.

Environmental schemes

With concern for the environment growing every day, understanding your environmental obligations is essential. We are experts in this field, and even helped the National Farmers’ Union compile their Environmental Law Handbook.

Visit our Environmental Law Advice for more information.

Planning

We help farmers, land owners, agricultural businesses and other interested parties achieve their strategic goals, including assisting with all planning matters. Our service covers everything from planning permission applications to development and land promotion.

As well as agricultural land, we are a market leader in property development so can offer a strategic and comprehensive combined service.

Visit our Commercial Planning Law Services page for more information.

Collaboration agreements

We can assist with all collaborative farming matters, such as farming joint ventures and co-operatives, collaborative purchasing arrangements and asset sharing (such as machinery).

Why choose Roythornes’ agricultural property solicitors?

At Roythornes, we are one of the UK’s leading agricultural law firms with some of the largest agricultural businesses in the country as our clients.

We have a vast depth of industry knowledge and close connections within the farming community, including a close relationship with the National Farmers’ Union and other major sector organisations.

Our Agricultural Property team includes several highly experienced and leading lawyers who specialise in a wide range of agricultural and farming property matters.

Our team includes members of a range of professional agricultural organisations, including Fellows of the Agricultural Law Association.

We are highly ranked by leading client guides, Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for our expertise in this area with several of our team, including Julie Robinson, Tim Russ, Simeon Disley, Edd Johnson, Emma Hill and Claire Hindmarsh being highly recommended for their experience and exceptional service.

Get in touch with our agricultural property solicitors

For nationwide specialist agricultural property advice, contact us directly or fill in our simple online enquiry form for a quick response.