Natural England is making changes to the way it processes Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) applications across England which could affect the potential farms eligible under new targeting measures.
“Rather than having broader target areas as is currently the case, Natural England is producing lists based on known features and information (or ‘pipelines’ as they are to be known!) of specific holdings that they feel can provide environmental benefit,” explains Mandy Seedhouse, environment adviser with Berrys in Shropshire.
“If your holding is not on a ‘pipeline’ Natural England will not accept an HLS application,“ she said.
So not to miss potential opportunities, Natural England is happy to discuss potential holdings suggested to them for inclusion on the ‘pipelines’. It is thought that this will happen through one-to-one meetings with Agents/Farm Environmental Plan (FEP) Surveyors where discussions regarding specific holdings will take place.
“As well as limiting the potential number of HLS applications, this new system is also likely to delay start dates as the holding will need to be fully assessed according to the pipeline priorities before an application can be considered,” Mandy said.
“It is therefore important that if you are considering an HLS application you take action sooner rather than later to ensure that your holding is included on a pipeline.
“If you think your holding is suitable for HLS, Berrys has agents and FEP surveyors registered with Natural England who can put it forward on your behalf at one of the pipeline meetings.
“This will start the process moving and enable a quicker outcome. It is expected that these changes will take effect from 1st July 2011 but there will be a transition period for applications already in progress to continue on the current system.
“If you are interested in HLS it you should act quickly as it may be possible to register under the current targeting system before the new pipelines are published.”
A further change to be made is the introduction of a three tier processing system, separating applications into fast-track, standard or complex, based on the size and complexity of the holding and the potential options considered. The fast-track method will be used for simple applications and the whole process will be delivered by Natural England staff. The standard and complex application will still require an external FEP survey and application.
“More welcome news is the reintroduction of educational access payments, which were withdrawn from new HLS agreements in November 2010 following the comprehensive spending review,” Mandy added.
For more information please contact Mandy Seedhouse at Berrys on 01743 271697 or email: mandy.seedhouse@berrybros.com
