Category: News

Good news for land managers! The government has confirmed an increase in HLS payment rates across 157 options, aligning them more closely with Countryside Stewardship & Sustainable Farming Incentive payments.

Payments will rise by 34.4% of the difference between the current HLS rate and the equivalent CSHT/SFI action.

Effective from 1st January 2025 – the uplift will be reflected in the 2025 claim, paid in December. Check the full list of updated rates here

Any Problems? Contact the Farm Office Services at Bakewell on 01629 812777

Up to £10,000 in business development grants are available through High Peak Borough Council, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Use it for capital or revenue projects – with a preference for capital investment!

Deadline: 15th June 2025 – don’t miss out!

For friendly help and advice contact the Bakewell Office on 01629 812777 today.

The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB), although not yet finalised, is expected to pass into law by the end summer. Intended to give tenants greater protection, it spells the end The end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and Assured Shorthold Tenancies, also known as ASTs.

Its not all doom and gloom for Landlords—there’s more to the new Renters’ Rights Bill than just tougher rules. It can actually help Landlords too-

Here’s how:

• Fair rent changes – Rent can only go up once a year, with a transparent process.

• Simplified tenancies – One clear tenancy type replaces ASTs. Less admin, more clarity.

• Faster dispute resolution – A new ombudsman handles complaints without going to court.

• Better property standards – The Decent Homes Standard brings consistency across rentals.

While it means a few more responsibilities, it also creates a more stable, fair market for everyone.

If you’re looking for support with renting or managing your properties, get in touch with us to discuss your needs

Bury & Hilton Leek Office: 01538 383344

Numerous clients have contacted us to say they have received letters from agents acting for national grid regarding the capitalisation of wayleaves for overhead electric lines on their land.

For some decades we have acted for clients against electricity companies in seeking “the right” amount of compensation for electric lines on land. Here are a few things to be aware of:

1. Your existing wayleave is likely a personal agreement between you and the electricity company. Most can be terminated it which can lead to claims for compensation against the electricity company. The matter is not straightforward because companies do have powers under the Electricity Act 1989 but nonetheless there is a route to compensation.

2. The deal that they are offering may well be good and may suit you, but there are other heads of claims to take into account.

3. Your existing wayleave agreement may not give the electricity company the right to install fiberoptic cables for commercial use. If it does not, then this could be viewed as “another deal on another day”. We would suggest that you need to be careful to make sure that it is not moped up in the deal that they are offering.

4. If you have houses or for example barns with potential for conversion near to the lines, you are almost certainly going to be entitled to a further claim for injurious affection for any perceived diminution in value of your property due to the presence of the overhead lines. Some years ago, the press was loaded with articles about the negative health impacts of electromagnetic forces and such publicity can seriously impact the value of properties near to pylons and electric lines. Make sure that the offer that you receive fully reflects this.

5. Is there any other development potential on your land? If there is, then granting a permanent easement is probably not a good idea unless there is a robust “lift and shift” clause in it and/or a clause for future compensation in that eventuality.

6. Your existing wayleave will probably specify the number of conductors that the electricity company has the right to keep over your land. If it does, beware that any new agreement does not give them carte blanche to upgrade their existing equipment with more conductors being used to carry more electricity. The National Grid network in the UK is currently undergoing a major expansion program in the pursuit of cleaner energy, so make sure you aren’t giving away any future negotiating position by allowing electric companies to do whatever upgrades they want on your land.

We would be very happy to talk to you. Our consultant Roger has settled many hundreds of claims against electricity companies around the UK over the years and has a substantial database of claims evidence. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries

Roger Bedson: 07785537209

Or your local Bagshaws Office

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news — Holly Swift, our very first Bagshaws apprentice, has officially passed her APC and is now a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor!

Holly has shown incredible dedication, perseverance, and professionalism over the past six years, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement.

👏 Huge congratulations, Holly! Here’s to an exciting future ahead.

Farmers, growers, foresters, and contractors in England will be able to apply for grants between £1,000 and £25,000 to boost productivity, manage slurry, and enhance animal health and welfare.

The application window opens on the 29^th May 2025 and closes at midday on the 10^th July 2025. A total of £46.7 million is available across three themes:

• Productivity
• Slurry Management
• Animal Health & Welfare

Eligible applicants must be registered in England with the Rural Payments Agency and possess a Single Business Identifier (SBI). Applications are competitive, and each business can submit one application per theme.

For more information on the eligible items, or for help with an application, contact our Farm Office Services team now on 01629 812777.

We’ve been informed of an upcoming infrastructure upgrade by Northern Powergrid involving the replacement of 66kV electricity poles along the Hunshelf to Hunshelf Bank line.

Northern Powergrid consider this essential work to improve the reliability and resilience of the electricity network in the region.

What you need to know:

• The scheme will involve the removal and replacement of existing 66kV poles.
• Access may be required across agricultural and privately owned land.
• Works are expected to commence shortly, with timelines to be confirmed.

If you are a landowner or occupier affected by this scheme, and are unrepresented, Bagshaws LLP can help, and our fees will be met by NPG

We will

• Advise upon your rights
• Liaise with Northern Powergrid on your behalf
• Prepare and negotiate compensation and reinstatement of land
• Offer professional advice throughout the process

Bagshaws LLP has extensive experience dealing with utility schemes. Our team can represent your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you’re fully informed before making any commitments.

Contact our Bakewell Office today for tailored advice and support

01629 812777

The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) has successfully delivered a £1.4 million funding package to refinance the loan commitments of a long-established arable farming business in Staffordshire. The long-term, interest-only facility replaces previous high street bank borrowing and provides the farming family with greater financial flexibility and security for the future.

AMC has praised Ivor Lowe of Bagshaws LLP for his instrumental role in facilitating the transaction.

“A special thank you to Ivor Lowe of Bagshaws LLP for presenting this lending application to us at the AMC,” the organisation stated. “This is an exemplary piece of lending, which has provided long-term funding to an established Staffordshire-based arable farming family. I know that Adrian Francis-Lang has been very complimentary on the efforts and work that went into this transaction. Thank you, Ivor!”

If you’re considering refinancing or exploring funding options for your agricultural business, don’t wait to speak with one of our AMC agents. Contact your local Bagshaws office today to discuss how we can support your financial goals.

Ashbourne: 01335 342201

Bakewell: 01629 812777

Penkridge: 01785 716600

Uttoxeter: 01889 562811

www.bagshaws.com/professional-services/financing/

We’re thrilled to share a truly heartwarming detail about one of our latest listings – Millers Green Farm in Wirksworth, a property with not only a rich history, but a beautiful, lifelike model that captures its soul in miniature form.

Speaking with the vendor, we learned just how deeply rooted this home is in their family’s story. Her father moved to Millers Green when he was just 11 years old and remained there for the rest of his life – over 80 years of memories woven into every corner of the house, the surrounding fields, and the much-loved hay barn where the family would play.

“We certainly took it for granted back then – we didn’t know what we had,” she shared fondly, recalling her father as “a small man with chubby fingers” who spent his life farming the land he loved.

In his retirement, he poured his creativity and devotion into building a huge model railway that filled the entire hayloft – but the centerpiece was an exact replica of Millers Green Farm, lovingly handcrafted down to the finest details.

This extraordinary model is still on display at the property, and it’s truly something special – a labour of love and a testament to a life spent at Millers Green. It’s not every day you view a home that comes with its very own miniature version!

The current vendors hope to take the model with them when the sale completes – a cherished memento of their family’s time at the farm.

Millers Green Farm is being offered for sale by public auction in Bakewell on Monday, 19th May. Don’t miss your chance to explore this beautiful property and take in the craftsmanship of its miniature twin!

Millers Green Farm, Wirksworth

Karen is now officially joining the Environmental Advisers Register – a trusted network of accredited professionals supporting farmers and land managers across the UK with expert environmental advice. 🌱

To join the Register, advisers must complete a recognised qualification and commit to ongoing professional development – keeping their knowledge sharp and up-to-date💡🌍

The Peak District National Park Authority is now inviting submissions for their Call for Sites, ahead of the next Local Plan. If you own land that may be suitable for development (housing, employment, etc.), this is your chance to put it forward.

🗓️ Deadline for submissions: 5th May 2025

The Call for sites:

• is an opportunity for landowners, developers, community groups, and individuals to put forward sites to be considered for
  • the development of new homes and businesses
  • nature recovery, renewable energy and open space
  • designation as Local Green Space.
• is not to determine whether a site can be developed.

The Call for sites area is the Peak District National Park Authority area.

What land uses are included?

• 100% Affordable Housing (on greenfield land).
• Self and custom build homes
• Other housing (on brownfield land).
• Specialised care comes (for example older people).
• Small-scale business including offices, manufacturing and warehousing.
• Small-scale and Community-led Renewable Energy
• Local Green Space.
• Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Open Space (allotments, amenity space etc).

Sites may be capable of fulfilling more than one of the above uses and this can be indicated on the submission form.

If you need any help or advice, get in touch: 📞 01629 812777

Landowners & Farmers – Are You Affected by the Proposed 33kV Underground Cable from Chesterfield to Grassmoor?

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is set to lay a new 33kV underground cable between Chesterfield and Grassmoor, and parties are now being contacted by their agents Fisher German on the proposed route corridor. If your land is likely to be impacted, it’s crucial to have expert representation to ensure your rights and interests are fully protected.

At Bagshaws LLP, our experienced team of Chartered Surveyors have significant expertise in utilities and infrastructure projects. We will be able to:

💡Advise upon your rights

💡Negotiate the best possible terms for you

💡Handle all communications with NGED on your behalf

Importantly, our professional fees will typically be covered by NGED

Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you. Early engagement with NGED is important.

☎ Call our Bakewell office on (01629) 812777 or email bakewell@bagshaws.com