The warning comes from Graham Bowcock, tenancy specialist with Berrys in Cheshire, who reminds tenants that Michaelmas, the traditional time for rent reviews, this year coincides with an uplift in prices in the arable sector.

“We have not seen a round of solid rent reviews for a decade or more but landlords may be looking at the price of grain and thinking now is the time to act,” he said.

But achieving a rent increase won’t be a done deal as tenants are facing larger bills for inputs such as fuel, fertilisers and chemicals and these will have to be considered in the rent negotiations.

“Farmers receiving a rent review notice from their landlord this Michaelmas (September 29) have a year to negotiate and although grain prices may be higher now, this might not be the case in 12 months time,” he suggested.

“The key for tenants is not just to forget about the rent notice, you should take action straight away, informing your agent who can act on your behalf and start gathering all the information necessary, such as accounts and bills etc, to justify your case.”

Farmers who received a rent notice September 2009 should by now have either completed their negotiations or be close to settling.

“If you cannot agree your rent amicably, or the landlord has not instigated the negotiation procedure, the notice will either expire and the rent remain unchanged or the landlord will have to proceed to arbitration, which is a costly option,” he said.

As to average rents, every farm is different so each review has to be negotiated individually.

“This is not a one-solution-fits-all science and in our region while the arable and red meat sectors seem to be faring well the same cannot be said for dairying where milk prices remain stubbornly low while inputs continue to rise.

“A landlord who served a rent review notice on a dairy farm last September may struggle to squeeze an increase this year, particularly if the base rent is relatively high to start with as the tenant will be facing higher forage costs and other pressures such as NVZ legislation.

“Not only are grain and straw prices high but also silage is in short supply and the price of hay has soared.”

Rentals under Agricultural Holding Act 1986 tenancies will depend on a number of factors including the related earning capacity of the farm and comparable lettings of similar farms in the area (although these are sometimes hard to find). Any landlord’s improvements are ignored when calculating the rent.

“The conclusion is that each review has to be considered on its own merits but if tenants do have to accept an increase they should try and negotiate something for themselves, such as a new farm track or a new farm building,” he added.

For advice on tenancy matters, contact Graham Bowcock on 01606 49200 or email graham.bowcock@berrybros.com

FOR SALE

 Contact: Tom Arthey, tom.arthey@berrybros.com or 01536 532376

pdf particulars

Property Description:

Technical Advice Note 6 – Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities – has been re-written and includes guidance to make it easier for farmers to build a new home on their land so that they can pass their business on to a younger person whilst continuing to live on the farm

“It is now up to Local Planning Authorities to act quickly and influence changes to their Rural Planning Policies,” explained Stephen Locke, rural planning consultant with Berrys at Shrewsbury.

An essential need has to be justified and the special policy exceptions for farms only apply to the first additional dwelling to be attached to the established farm after the Technical Advice Note came into force.

“The policy guidance is limited specifically to established farming businesses and although it will make it easier for farms to develop another home, it is important to take advice on the detail of the policy as the Welsh Assembly Government has tightened the occupancy criteria,” Stephen added.

For more advice, contact Stephen Locke at Berrys on 01743 267062 or stephen.locke@berrybros.com

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice said: “There is too much red tape tying up our farmers and food businesses.

“I have challenged the Task Force to make recommendations that will change culture in both Government and business. The focus will be on outcomes, risk-based solutions and proportionate enforcement. They must think beyond ‘traditional’ regulation and enforcement, while maintaining our high public and environmental protection standards.”

Farmers can comment in these areas:

• Farm animals
  Dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, poultry and farmed fish
• Growing and crops
  Arable and horticulture 
• Food processing
  Meat, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables etc 
• Business & management
  Planning, labour, health & safety, tax, farm retail etc 
• Environment & land management
  Air, soil, water, waste, access etc

Are there regulations you think are unnecessary and which could be removed without lowering standards for business, the public or the environment?  Suggest why they are not needed.

Are there regulations that go beyond what is required? Or are they too complex or do they have unnecessary red tape – whether form filling, record keeping or inspections?

The consultation will be open until 31 October. Evidence can be submitted online at  engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/ Written submissions can be sent to FarmRegulationTaskForce@defra.gsi.gov.uk or to Task Force on Farming Regulation, Area 8D Millbank, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR.

All comments will be captured and recorded in summary in the Task Force’s final report in 2011.

The advice comes from Chris Jones at Berrys who believes planning consent in place for a mast could be adapted to make the site usable for a wind turbine and allow the green energy produced from the turbine to compensate for the income stream lost from the mast.

 “Obviously not all mast sites will be suitable for a wind turbine but if they are it makes sense not to ‘waste’ the planning permission,” said Chris, a partner at Berrys Shrewsbury office.

“Following the introduction of Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) from April 1, wind generation could be a viable option for many rural businesses, providing an alternative, renewable source of power plus the chance for surplus energy generated to provide a regular source of income.”

With the proposed mergers of Orange and T-mobile and T-mobile and 3, many thousands of mobile sites could become redundant in the future meaning a subsequent loss of income for those affected.

 “We believe that the planning permission for the mast could be adapted to enable many of the sites to accommodate a wind turbine. The structure, base and connection to the national grid are potentially already there,” said Stephen Locke, planning consultant at Berrys’s Shrewsbury office.

 “Energy produced can be used to power the farm while the Feed-In Tariff pays the owner a fixed premium for every unit of electricity generated for up to 20 years,” he explained.

“The Feed in Tariffs are really production tariffs, with up to 34.5p per kWh payable for wind energy,” he added.

The feasibility of this depends on the structure of the mast and the scale of turbine proposed and, of course, if sufficient wind is available. 

Stephen says pay back is very difficult to establish without knowing the scale of the turbine, funding issues and farm usage but typically it is between eight and 11 years.

“Typical capital cost for a standard 6 kW turbine is around £25000. Clearly it depends upon the location but an average payback is typically 10 years,” he said.

“The higher FIT levels are currently fixed until 2012 so it is better to consider a scheme now before rates start to reduce. If a mast site is adapted, capital costs could be reduced, giving a quicker payback.”

Normal planning concerns are with noise, bats / birds, visual impact, line of sight communications, amenity issues, health and safety, airfields and distance from buildings.

If farmers don’t take up the wind turbine option they need to ensure that they receive adequate compensation from the mobile phone company. They should be aware of what their lease allows before accepting anything and ensure that the land is put back to its original state or they could end up having to reinstate the site themselves, which could costs thousands of pounds.

For further information contact Chris Jones or Stephen Locke at Berrys on 01743 271697 or email chris.jones@berrybros.com

Contact: Duncan Scott on 01327 359788  or duncan.scott@berrybros.com

Berrys are pleased to have been instructed to sell on behalf of clients this property in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.  We have appointed local estate agents The Land Office as joint selling agents. 

 The Studio, 22 Station Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4SE

Contact:  Lance Trendall  01582 461581 or lance.trendall@thelandoffice.co.uk

please click here for pdf particulars (draft) 

Excellent development opportunity in Harpenden

114 & 116 Westfield Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4JY

This site, currently occupied by a three bedroom house and a neighbourhood general store that is subject to an existing tenancy has approximate dimensions of 80.15m (263ft) depth with a frontage of some 23.5 (77 ft).

The property has an interesting planning history, including a lapsed planning consent (Ref:5/88/0948 for 6 flats incorporating a new shop) and a refused application to include two bungalows to the rear.

From the history it will be seen that the site has development potential, subject to planning, although the site is being offered on an unconditional basis.  Accordingly, buyers should make their own judgement about the potential.

In addition to offering the site as a whole, we are also inviting offers for the house and shop as separate lots in order that the Executors can make a the decision to sell as one or two separate transactions.

A closing date for offers will be announced following a number of open days of the house for viewing. The shop is being sold subject to an existing tenancy, details of which are available on request.

The site is offered for sale subject to contract on an unconditional basis.  Offers that are made on a “subject to planning basis” will not be considered unless a very substantial option fee is offered.  We will forward details of any conditional offers along with the unconditional offers to the Executors for their consideration.

Best Offers              Best offers are invited prior to a closing date – the date of which will be advised to interested parties and posted on the websites of Premier Move www.premiermove.co.uk and The Land Office www.thelandoffice.co.uk.

Site Plans               Copies of the OS Plan, lapsed and refused Planning Applications, Title Plan and the Lease of the Shop are available free by email and as a printed hardcopy from Premier Move for £28.00.

Plot Size                 Frontage 23.5m x 80.15m max depth (77 ft x 263 ft) [scaled from Promap - OS data]. The frontage measures 23.5m. The depth has not been measured as the site is very overgrown.

The site area approx. 0.388 acres (1671.62 m2).

House                     3 bedrooms detached in need of updating, with Gas CH and replacement double glazed windows.

Shop                       Freehold investment – currently let at £7,320 per annum, details available on request.

Planning History     This information is provided to assist your enquiries and is not to be depended on as advice on planning potential

1988 consent           Permission for six flats (two 2 bedroom flats and four 1bedroom flats) was approved in 1988 Ref 5/88/09048. This has now lapsed.

1999 refusal             Permission was refused Ref 5/89/0980 for three 1-bedroom flats, two 2-bedroom flats, a shop and two bungalows to the rear. We can provide a copy of the Refusal Notice.

The Access              The width of the space between the shop and house, measures approx 5.055m max at the front and 4.140m min at the rear of the house.

Viewing                   There will be opportunities to view at the Open Days, please call THE LAND OFFICE for details on 01582 763222

The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group has recently provided its latest guidance, regarding the use of slug pellets:

• Use the minimum active per hectare to avoid drainage and run off losses
• No pellets to be applied within 6 m of a water course or ditch
• Maximum single application of 210g/ha (or 160g/ha where BASIS qualified advice has been given)
• Maximum total does rate – as above
• Maximum total does rate of 700g per calender year
• Don’t pellet when heavy rainfall is forecast
• Don’t apply metaldehyde when the field drains are flowing.

The slug is a key problem during the germination and establishment of the crop. Farmers need to ensure that they have measures in place to actively manage control of the pellets, not only through timing of pellet application but also within seedbed preparation and cultivation techniques.

For more information, or assistance with this matter, please contact Jon Stables on 01536 532378 or on jon.stables@berrybros.com.

Contact: Duncan Scott on 01327 359788 or  duncan.scott@berrybros.com          

Berrys are pleased to have been instructed to sell on behalf of clients this property in Bexhill-on-Sea, West Sussex.  We have appointed local estate agents Brian Hazell & Partners as joint selling agents: 

 

 

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a 6th floor penthouse flat, which enjoys panoramic views over Bexhill seafront and English Channel towards Beachy Head. 

The property, which is in need of some updating, benefits from a large sun terrace to 3 sides, which is accessed from living room, study area and master bedroom, spacious living room, electric heating, lift access to 5th floor, store room, and undercover parking space.Glyne Hall occupies a prominent position on the seafront promenade opposite Bexhill Sailing Club and within easy walking distance of town centre amenities, station and the De La Warr Pavilion.

Offered chain free.  Viewing is highly recommended.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Penthouse Flat, 26 Glyne Hall, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea, West Sussex TN40 1LY

please click here for pdf particulars (draft)

The flat is approached from a lift to fifth floor with further staircase to sixth floor.

THE ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES:

Front door to:-

Entrance Hall/Study Area: 16′8 x 7′5 (5.08m x 2.26m)

Cloaks/storage cupboard; adjacent airing cupboard with slatted shelves, night storage heater, entryphone handset, coved and textured ceiling.  uPVC double glazed sliding door with adjacent large window having fine views over seafront promenade, English Channel towards Beachy Head in the west, and giving access to large paved terrace.

Kitchen: 9′4 x 6′4 (2.84m x 1.93m)

Fitted with range of floor mounted cupboards and drawers with work surface over; tiled surrounds, matching wall mounted cupboards. Inset one and a half bowl sink unit with mixer tap, space and point for electric cooker, space and plumbing for washing machine, slatted wood ceiling. Double glazed window with fine outlook over English Channel.

Living Room: 19‘3 x 16′2 (5.87m x 4.93m)

This room enjoys panoramic views over Bexhill towards the south and west, and across the English Channel towards Beachy Head, being of double aspect with double glazed sliding patio doors giving access to south facing sun terrace and uPVC double glazed window to the west overlooking further sun terrace. Two Unidare night storage heaters, further Dimplex heater, telephone point, two wall light points, coved and textured ceiling. Door to:-

Inner Hall

Dimplex night storage heater, entryphone handset, two skylights, cupboard housing hot water tank with immersion heaters, doors off to bedrooms and bathroom.

Bedroom 1: 13′7 x 13′5 (4.14m x 4.09m)

Of dual aspect with windows to the east and west with fine views towards Beachy Head and uPVC door giving access to sun terrace. Unidare night storage heater, fitted bedroom furniture, including two double and single wardrobe cupboards, chest of drawers, recess with bed with adjacent bedside cabinets and storage cupboards, coved and textured ceiling.

Bedroom 2: 11′11 x 8′11 (3.63m x 2.72m)

Built-in wardrobe cupboard, coved and textured ceiling, uPVC double glazed window with fine views over seafront promenade and English Channel towards Beachy Head in the west.

Bathroom

Fully tiled, and fitted with coloured suite comprising: panelled bath with grab handles, Heatstore electric shower over, low level wc, vanity basin with cupboard under, electric towel rail, wall mounted electric heater, uPVC double glazed window with obscured glass.

Separate wc

Low level wc, wash hand basin, fully tiled walls, electric towel rail, uPVC double glazed window with obscured glass.

OUTSIDE

The property enjoys a large sun terrace to three sides of the property, being south facing, with fine views over Bexhill Sailing Club and English Channel; to the west is a wide paved terrace which has fine views of the seafront promenade and across the English Channel to Beachy Head in the west. To the north elevation there is further terrace with views towards Bexhill Old Town.

Reserved Parking Space

On basement level there is a lockable store, and a reserved undercover parking space.

Lease

To be advised.

Ground Rent

To be advised.

Maintenance

To be advised.

Council Tax Band: D

Map Reference Square: K/6

Property Postcode: TN40 1LY

For more information, contact the Berrys Towcester office or Brian Hazell & Partners

  

Contact: Chris Jones, john.cooke@berrybros.com or 01743 271697

Farm Buildings at Church Farm, Hordley, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9BB

Property Description:

Contact: Graham Bowcock, graham.bowcock@berrybros.com or 01606 49200

Drake Road, Broadheath, Altrincham, WA14

Property Description:

For more information, contact the Berrys Northwich office.

When you’re setting up and installing a new (windows) pc, it’s sometimes hard to remember all the stuff you’ve got to do to get it into a proper, secure, safe, and functional state.

• Partition HDD (Though normally, Windows will just do this for you, so don’t worry if you don’t know what this means!)
• Install Windows (or, of course, another OS of your choosing)
• Choose a computer name. Make it easy to remember, easy to type, not too long, and probably sequential (if you’re in an office or something)
• In a large(ish) company? You’ll need to join the domain. (Ask your network administrator about this!)
• Move computer account to relevant OU (Organisational Unit – only applicable if you joined a domain)
• Connect to the internet, using either an ethernet cable to your network or router, or a simple wifi connection, or maybe a wireless dongle.
• Install Windows updates, and set them to automatically download and install.
• Install Anti Virus (you can probably do this while updates are installing), set it to auto-update. (For free AV, i recommend Clamwin)
• Got any data from your old machine? Copy it over to your new one, either by using a data stick, Windows Easy Transfer, DropBox, or another backup and restore tool.
• Install MS Office if you have it, or download and install Open Office
• Install any messenger-type software that you use (Skype, live messenger, or whatever)
• Any job-specific software? Install that now.
• Do you use a vpn connection? Best install that now.
• You’ll need an alternative browser to Internet Explorer. You really will. Go and get Firefox, Chrome, or Avant.
• Set up Outlook, Outlook Express (but don’t, it’s awful), or whatever email client you want to use. Thunderbird’s ok too.
• Use an ipod or iphone? Or just listen to music? Install itunes.
• Synchronise your mobile handset to your computer.
• Change your homepages from the ones that are factory preset.
• Add your printers, scanners, and other hardware. You’ll need to find drivers for them all.
• Install Adobe reader, java, flash, and all those plugins that are always forgotten about until you need them.
• Uninstall the bloatware that came with your computer. This includes manufacturer-branded “security” software, “helpful tools” and other rubbish.
• Customise and tweak your machine to just the way you like it. Set your wallpaper, sounds, desktop and start menu to what suits you best.
• Enjoy your lovely new computer.

Have I missed anything? If so, please comment below and let me know!

Contact: Joanna Smith, joanna.smith@berrybros.com or 01536 412464

Land at Shutlanger, Northamptonshire

click here for pdf particulars 

Property Description:

Contact: Joanna Smith, joanna.smith@berrybros.com or 01536 412464 

Property Description:

Instructions 

Following a change in farming systems Berrys have been instructed to let the land at Wellingborough, which was previously farmed in hand, on behalf of Whitworth Holdings Ltd.   

  

Location 

The land is situated on the outskirts of the town of Wellingborough being easily accessed from the A45 which provides a direct route to Northampton (8 miles) and Rushden (5 miles). 

   

The Property 

The property, which extends in total to approximately 45.43 hectares (112.23 acres), comprises 96.67 acres of arable and 15.56 acres of grassland split into two blocks.  The land, which is mainly Grade 3 agricultural land, is predominantly of the Moreton soil series being Jurassic clay and limestone with a pocket of the Banbury series being Jurassic and Cretaceous ironstone. 

  

Access to the main block of arable land (extending to 73.06 acres) is taken directly from the B573 Doddington Road.  Access to the small block of arable and grassland (extending to 39.27 acres) can be taken either directly from the A45 or the Chester Road leading to Irchester. 

 

Field Number     Description    Acres               Hectares

 

Lot 1                                    

SP8965 0278      Arable                      17.86                7.23

SP8965 0758      Arable                      17.22                6.97

SP8965 4062      Arable                    37.90                15.3

                                                                72.98                29.54

Lot 2                                    

SP9166 7132      Grassland              15.56                6.30

SP9266 1555      Arable                    23.69                9.59

                                                                39.25                15.89

  

The grassland field number 7132, extending to 15.56 acres (6.30 hectares), may be ploughed out if appropriate with the prior written consent of the Landlord. 

  

Agreements 

The property is available to let as a whole or in part on a 3 year fixed term Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) to continue thereafter from year to year from 29^th September 2010.  Rent will be payable quarterly in advance on 29^th September, 25^th December, 25^th March and 24^th June in each year. 

   

  

Basis of Tender 

Applicants are invited to tender under an initial rent, fixed for three years, with Entitlements. 

  

Tender Procedure 

A full tender form is attached to these letting particulars.  Tenders must be received by Berrys Kettering Office in writing by 12 noon on Friday 13^th August 2010.  

  

  

Please mark tenders as Private and Confidential for the attention of Joanna Smith. 

   

  

Entitlements 

The land is offered to let with the appropriate number of Single Farm Payment Entitlements. 

  

The 2009 Single Farm Payment Entitlements Statement shows 459.48 Entitlements to have a unit value of £286.10.  A fair proportion of Normal Entitlements shall be transferred. 

  

The 2010 Single Farm Payment claim will be retained by the Landlord and the ingoing Tenant will be obliged to comply with the Single Farm Payment regulations until 31^st December 2010. 

   

  

Tenant Right 

The Tenant will not be required to pay for tenant right upon entry nor will there be any claim for tenant right upon vacating the land. 

  

Early Entry 

Early entry onto the land will be permitted by prior agreement with the Landlord.  Early entry can be provided as soon as terms have been agreed. 

  

Wayleaves, Easements and Rights of Way 

Any wayleave payments received on the basis of the land will be retained by the Landlord. 

  

A public footpath crosses the grassland field number 7132 in the south west corner. 

  

Sporting Rights 

All sporting rights over the property are to be reserved to the Landlord. 

  

VAT 

VAT will not be payable in addition to the basic rent. 

  

Health and Safety 

Please be as vigilant as possible when making your inspection of the property for your own personal safety. 

  

Local Authority 

Borough Council of Wellingborough, Swanspool House, Doddington Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 1BP. Tel: 01933 229777. 

  

Viewing 

Please contact Joanna Smith for viewing details. 

For more information, contact the Berrys Kettering office. 

• You get to play with, and actually use, new technology. Businesses today need to embrace new technology in order to stay ahead, or simply keep up with the competition. From the newest mobile handsets, cutting-edge servers and routers, to testing new software packages, it’s essential that you keep yourself and the business up to date. You’re still going to babysit old technology, but it’s always fun to test out new tech.

• Sometimes, you can be a hero, of sorts. If a disaster occurs, it’s often entirely upon you to fix it, and people will be grateful to you when you get it sorted out. From an office being burgled, and having to quickly replace and set up new hardware, to restoring an important file from a backup when somebody accidentally deletes a presentation 30 minutes before they’re due to give it, you can step in and save the day. The flip-side of this is that it’s also your responsibility to ensure disasters don’t happen in the first place.

• You’re constantly learning. The landscape of IT is completely different today as it was 5 years ago. And in 5 years time it will again be completely different. IT is probably the fastest changing industry in the world, and doesn’t suit people who don’t want to constantly learn and develop themselves. To be effective as an IT manager, you need to read technology and business news and information every day. You need to attend seminars and conferences. Most importantly, in my opinion, you need to network with other technology professionals, as the amount you can learn from discussion with others is far more valuable than from any other source. It’s also enjoyable, but it does take a lot of time (although it’s a lot easier now, with the use of Twitter and other social networking tools).

• You’re important. From making people and processes more efficient, to cutting costs, to increasing turnover, improving profit margins, helping people work more effectively, helping people be more comfortable and happy in their jobs, providing tools to people, and effecting significant change in an organisation, you’re inevitably going to be one of the people in the organisation that everyone knows, and if you do your job well, you’ll make a big difference to the business, and everyone in it.

Farms that are currently showing a small profit could be in a position where they see the funds available for reinvestment significantly dwindling.

We have looked at this problem with several of our clients and found the potential to significantly increase income in a number of ways, including wind farm development, and photo-voltaic panels.

Feed in Tariffs

The inception of Feed In Tariffs (FITs) in April of this year has drastically increased the viability of small to mid range electricity production using wind turbines or pv panels.  By making use of a south facing roof or a suitable location for a midrange wind turbine landowners can see a return of between 10 and 20 percent on their investment, equivalent to a payback of as little as 5 years.  In the best case scenario an investment of £500,000 could see an income of in excess of £150,000 per annum with the technology guaranteed for up to 12 years and the government assured payments guaranteed for up to 25 years.

While many are unsure of larger scale wind farm developments, the economics work best with a mid range turbines considerably smaller than a standard pylon which are considerably less visually intrusive and as such far less likely to upset the neighbours.

James Fulton of Berrys said “There are very few sites where there is no potential at all – it just comes down to what suits your lifestyle and what rate of return you are willing to accept.”

For a free no obligation confidential discussion regarding wind farms, turbines, solar, or other renewables please contact James Fulton at our Kettering office on 01536 532386.