Perry Farm at Whittington near Oswestry, Shropshire, a diversified agricultural property with further potential for development, has been sold by Berrys.

The property, which includes a Georgian farmhouse, large-scale poultry unit, leisure complex, traditional buildings with planning consent for residential conversion and fertile agricultural land extending to 185.23 acres, had a guide price of £2.7 million.

“The farm was launched in May and immediately created a lot of interest from farmers within the county and further afield,” said Chris Jones, corporate partner in charge of Berrys’ agency team at Shrewsbury.

“Perry Farm is family-run concern that has been developed into a successful business by the present owners who are retiring. It offers a traditional arable enterprise alongside a large broiler rearing unit and leisure complex comprising of a swimming pool and gym with the opportunity to expand the business by developing the farm buildings,” he said.

“The property offered an excellent opportunity for farmers looking to expand or for an investment buyer looking to take advantage of the tax benefits still available with farm land”.

“We received a number of offers on the property before eventually selling the farm to a Shropshire farming business for in excess of the guide price,” he said.

Land prices remain solid in an otherwise gloomy property market and Chris Jones believes that there is also a demand for good quality country properties that are appropriately marketed: “Although we may have seen land prices reach their peak, there is still a shortage of sizeable commercial blocks and land and farms coming to the market in Shropshire.” 

Properties being marketed by Berrys which confirm there is still a good depth to the market include Chetwynd Grange, a substantial listed country house with 32.5 acres near Newport, which has received a good level of interest and anyone wishing to receive further information regarding the property should contact Berrys as soon as possible.

The firm’s Cheshire office has just launched a 538 acres estate in Cheshire, for which a good level of demand is anticipated.

Contact Chris Jones or Sarah Reece at Berrys on 01743 271697 or visit www.berrybros.com 

A privately owned estate extending to approximately 538 acres (217.72 ha) has come on the market in Cheshire.

Warburton Estate in the north of the county at Warburton, Lymm includes a portfolio of let farms and land, vacant farmland, one vacant cottage and three further let cottages. The sole agent, Berrys, is offering the estate in nine lots with a total guide just short of £4 million (£3,967,500).

Graham Bowcock, partner at Berrys’ Cheshire office, says the estate provides an interesting mixture of property based on good quality arable land.  The land is let under traditional Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies and also under modern Farm Business tenancies.  There is also vacant farmland with buildings at Longridge Farm. Additionally, a number of cottages are let on Rent Act 1977/Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 or assured tenancies and also a vacant cottage. 

“The sale of Warburton Estate offers a rare opportunity to acquire a traditional farming estate in Cheshire in a prime position, just nine miles from Manchester city centre,” said Mr Bowcock.

“Estates like this rarely come to the market in Cheshire so we are expecting a great deal of interest, particularly as farmland values remains solid in an otherwise gloomy market.

“This estate offers an ideal investment opportunity for a private buyer looking to take advantage of the tax breaks still associated with farmland,” he added.

The estate also has sporting potential and is sold with shooting rights (currently licensed to Warburton Shooting Syndicate) and fishing rights on the River Bollin, which are currently licensed to Bay Malton Angling Club at an annual rental of £3,250 plus VAT.

The estate is being sold in nine lots with the largest parcel of land being 199.57 acres (80.76ha), mostly subject to farm business tenancies. Another of the lots includes three farms totalling 180.76 acres (73.15 ha) under agricultural tenancies.

Vacant farm land and buildings are available at Longridge Farm totalling 47 acres (19.02ha) This lot also includes a let farmhouse. Another lot includes three tenanted cottages while 10 Church Green at Warburton is a vacant two-bedroom end of terrace cottage with half-acre garden.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole selling agent Berrys at Northwich, telephone 01606 49200.  Further details are available at www.berrybros.com

Full details of the lots are as follows:

LOT 1 - Approximately 9.22 acres (3.73 ha) at Moss Hall, Warburton, subject to an agricultural tenancy

LOT 2 - Midlands Farm, Heathlands Farm and Jack Hey Gate Farm – three farms totalling 180.76 acres (73.15 ha), all subject to agricultural tenancies, together with 5.26 acres (2.12 ha) of woodland and two further vacant parcels totalling 0.6 acres.

LOT 3 - Longridge Farm – approximately 47.00 acres (19.02 ha) of vacant agricultural land with buildings and a let farmhouse     

LOT 4 - Approximately 88.73 acres (35.91 ha) at Villa Farm subject to a Farm Business Tenancy Agreement together with a vacant copse

LOT 5 – Approximately 5.41 acres (2.19 ha) of land at Townfield Lane, Warburton subject to a Farm Business Tenancy Agreement

LOT 6 - 10 Church Green, Warburton – a vacant two bedroom, end of terrace cottage with garden of approximately 0.51 acres (currently under licence)  

LOT 7 - 7 Church Green, Moss Cottage and Holly Cottage, Warburton – three cottages all subject to tenancies

LOT 8 - Land at Wigsey Lane, totalling 199.57 acres (80.76 ha) subject to three Farm Business Tenancy Agreements with one vacant parcel

LOT 9 – Grazing paddock at Church Green, Warburton, subject to a grazing licence

UK farmland prices surged at the fastest pace in the RICS rural market survey’s history during the first half of 2008 but lifestyle buyers retreated as the credit crunch deepened.

The farmland market jumped forward, with the average price rising by 24 percent (the fastest pace in the survey’s history) from £10,439 to £12,965 in the first half of 2008 and by 47 percent year on year. Arable land rose by 32 percent to £14,453 from £10,439 and pasture land rose by 16 percent to £11477 from £9929. Sharp increases in commodity prices continue to encourage farm investors to expand production or enter the market as purchasers.

The net balance of Chartered Surveyors reporting an increase in demand for residential farmland fell for the first time since 2005 from 50 percent to -3 percent while demand for non-residential farmland remained buoyant at 65 percent. The net balance of surveyors expecting price rises in residential farmland fell from 30 percent to -25 percent. There is an expectation that lifestyle buyers will continue to retreat while the challenging financial climate persists.

The number of farmland sales surged by 50 percent year on year and farmland availability picked up by in both the residential and non-residential sectors. Sharp rising costs in food and commodity prices have pushed input prices upwards resulting in marginal farms becoming unprofitable.

RICS spokesperson, Julian Sayers said: ”Ever rising commodity prices have pushed the price of farmland to record highs as farmers and investors compete for arable land. However, the days of the lifestyle buyer are on the wane. The credit crunch is putting an end to city expansion into the country as the precarious financial situation has made city slickers re-think their lifestyle priorities.”

A major shake up in the planning system is needed along with more affordable housing and greater flexibility for rural businesses if rural communities in England are to thrive according to an independent report commissioned by the Government.

The review carried out by MP Matthew Taylor recommends new planning policies designed to shift the growth of market towns from dense housing estates to create new attractive new neighbourhoods and community extensions with shops, facilities and workplaces.

Taylor, the Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell, has also called for a new "community-led affordable housing" initiative for smaller rural communities and more flexible planning rules to encourage village businesses.

Stephen Locke, senior planner with chartered surveyors Berrys at Shrewsbury, says the report has highlighted the need for Planning Policy Statements to be reviewed to end conflicting messages over the way sustainable development and economic, social and environmental factors should be balanced.

“The report calls on the government to adopt a master planning approach to encourage the long term growth of market towns and support it at local level. Instead of concentrating on meeting short term housing delivery targets, local planning authorities should be allowed to put emphasis on longer term development of new neighborhoods and community extensions as well as new towns.

“The review says that landowners should be encouraged to offer land for affordable housing. At the moment many landowners resist selling land for affordable housing in the hope that the same site may be eligible for open development. But if the planning policy was more clearly defined with long term vision for the community this would help manage expectations,” he said.

“Landowners could also be encouraged to release land for affordable housing if they could retain an option on a small proportion of the land for family or staff needs. The report supports this and also recommends a scheme be developed enabling landowners to retain some interest or income on the land released for affordable housing”.

Taylor's report recommended the removal of planning rules and practices that encourage small businesses to move out of the countryside into urban areas as soon as they start to grow.

Mr Locke says this could increase development potential for redundant farm buildings and enable some new buildings to be created to allow existing businesses to grow and bring further jobs into the countryside.

“Home based work is also encouraged with recommendation of a more flexible approach to work-based extensions to homes, particularly start-up businesses,” he said.

The findings in the report have been welcomed by the CLA whose president, Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, said he did not want to see the report sit on shelves gathering dust.

The Bluetongue Protection Zone was extended again on Monday 28 July to cover Herefordshire, the unitary authority of Telford and Wrekin and the districts in Shropshire (North Shropshire, Shrewsbury and Atcham, South Shropshire and Bridgnorth) previously in the Surveillance Zone.  Extension into the last parts of the Surveillance Zone has been agreed following a review of  the vaccine available in the supply chain.

Vaccination is only permitted within the Protection Zone.  This completes the roll-out to the counties previously in the Surveillance Zone and means that no Surveillance Zone remains in England.  Defra will continue to expand the Protection Zone and to roll out vaccination to the free area as vaccine is delivered, in line with the vaccination
roll-out plan.

Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the Protection Zone will be able to obtain the vaccine from Monday. However, they are encouraged to order vaccine so that they can protect their livestock at the earliest opportunity.

Protection Zone restrictions will apply to those keepers coming into the extended zone. Animals can only be moved out of the Protection Zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or moving for slaughter, subject to meeting certain conditions. Please refer to the Defra website for further guidance.

Overall take up of vaccine in the Protection Zone remains high, although seasonal farming practices may be temporarily dampening some demand.  All livestock farmers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and to vaccinate at the earliest possible opportunity.

Crack shot Andrew Tompson, a chartered surveyor with commercial surveyors and valuers Berrys Richard Conn + Co at Northampton, has just represented England, and won, in a home nations rifle shooting competition.

Competing last Thursday at the National Shooting Centre at Bisley in Surrey Andrew, 41, was selected to join a team of 20 in the short range match against Scotland, Ireland and Wales, winning by 30 points.

The three-hour match involved four firers on each five targets.  Andrew was using a 7.62 mm target rifle with iron sights to shoot at distances of 300, 500 and 600 yards at paper targets .

This is Andrew’s third England cap having previously been picked to represent the country in the competition when held in Ireland in 2003 and in 2005 at Bisley. The team won on all occasions.

“I was absolutely thrilled to get picked for the team as the sport is extremely competitive. It is a great honour to shoot well enough to get in the team,” says Andrew who joined Berrys Richard Conn + Co in February

as Associate Director.

“It is quite nerve racking and the pressure was on as England was expected to win. The key is to keep your concentration and give an accurate shot.”

Every shot helps the other team member as the team coach uses the shot to adjust the sights for other firers.

 “Last Thursday the  weather was warm with light but variable winds. The variable winds make it interesting but the heat makes it uncomfortable.

“I shot in the West Indies last year and came off wringing with sweat!”

He has also shot in Canada in British junior team and in the GB team at West Indies in 2002 and the Great Britain goodwill team in Barbados last year.

Andrew started shooting when he was  12 and went  full bore two years later. His target shooting training is conducted most at Bisley and he is a member of his former school club the Old Wellingburian Club.

He has been a chartered surveyor since 1989 specialising in commercial, valuation, landlord and tenancy work and is now working alongside Richard Conn for Berrys Richard Conn + Co at York Road, Northampton .

Contact Andrew on 01604 630251. 

The Government has rejected the cover crops option in response to the consultation on measures to implement the Nitrates Directive but it will seek a derogation on load limit.

Defra makes the following key points:

• England will continue to designate Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) on a selective basis, based on scientific evidence, rather than adopt the whole territory approach of some Member States. Following the recent review, about 70 per cent of England needs to be designated – up from 55 per cent - and around 1.5 per cent of areas will be de-designated;
• The proposal for cover crops to reduce run-off from bare ground has been dropped;

• The Government will pursue a derogation from the European Commission on the 170 kg/ha whole farm nitrogen loading limit;

• Closed periods and storage capacity will remain as set out in the consultation, but there will be transitional arrangements for meeting the requirements. Further work will be undertaken to assess whether the risk of nitrate loss in winter months extends to January;

• A package of advice will be provided, including workshops and a helpline, to support farmers in making changes. Slurry storage facilities will be eligible for tax allowances on capital costs up to £50,000 per year;

• Maps of NVZs and guidance on the Action programme measures will be published alongside the Regulations in September;

• Defra is now developing plans for appeals against designation. Further details will be published in due course.

“Agriculture is responsible for around 60 per cent of nitrate pollution in water, and there are pressing reasons for reducing that – biodiversity, recreation, and the cost of producing clean drinking water among them. At the same time we recognise that this places responsibilities, and costs, on farmers,” the minister said.

“There are several sources of help available. The Treasury has confirmed that slurry storage facilities are eligible for plant and machinery tax allowances on capital costs up to £50,000 a year. We have committed funding of £98 million under the Rural Development Programme for, among other things, the livestock sector’s on-farm management of nutrients. We have also extended the capital grants scheme under the Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative for another years.”

He said he was keen to pursue innovative solutions for manure management like anaerobic digestion and promised to look in detail at the barriers that might exist to making anaerobic digestion a viable option for farmers.

A substantial listed residence with scope for improvement has come on the market in Shropshire offering potential buyers the rare opportunity to own a small country estate.

Chetwynd Grange at Edgmond near Newport extends to approximately 32.49 acres and is on the market with Berrys for £900,000.

This compact country estate has many attractive features including a seven bedroomed residence, an extensive range of farm buildings, pastureland and a two-acre fishing pool. The property offers excellent equestrian and recreational potential.

Situated in a slightly elevated position on the northern fringe of the village of Edgmond enjoying views over Chetwynd Deer Park, the property is just two miles north west of the popular Shropshire market town of Newport with its two noted grammar schools.

The Grade II listed house offers an exciting opportunity to restore the residential property to a fine country house, subject to the necessary consents. The traditional brick building attached to the rear of the house has potential for conversion to ancillary residential accommodation and the range of outbuildings could be converted into extensive equestrian facilities, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.

The house is approached over a concrete drive through an avenue of fruit trees leading to an enclosed yard area. A second access leads into the yard at the rear of the house and a third directly into the yard and buildings. Adjoining fields also have road access.

Accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, drawing room with listed cast iron fireplace, dining room, cloakroom, family room with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove, kitchen/breakfast room with quarry tile floor, fitted units and range cooker, pantry, laundry room and cellar.

On the first floor there are seven bedrooms featuring cast iron fireplaces, beams and arched windows, bathroom with sunken bath, shower room and separate WC.

The farm buildings include livestock buildings, former milking parlour and dairy, covered yard, workshop, hay barn and former silage pits and yard.

The property also has a two-acre fishing pools stocked with a number of fish species including carp, offering excellent sporting potential.

“Chetwynd Grange is an ideal peaceful rural residence yet within easy reach of Shrewsbury, Chester and Birmingham,” said Sarah Reece, who is handling the sale on behalf of Berrys Shrewsbury office.

“This is a fine property with excellent opportunity for improvement and modernization into a substantial family residence.  The buildings and land are extremely flexible and could easily be adapted to accommodate horses. The property is in Albrighton Hunt Country and has good access to a network of country lanes and bridleways.”

“Quality country residences like this rarely come to the market so we are expecting a great deal of interest.”

Viewing is by appointment only, through the selling agents, Berrys, telephone 01743 271697.

Sale particulars can be downloaded at www.berrybros.com

Equestrianism is a growing sport and more and more land in the county is being utilised for the grazing of horses. This land use can blend well in the local landscape, especially where the land use is predominantly agricultural but landowners need to be aware of the pitfalls of letting horse grazing.

Horses have a poor reputation when it comes to grazing land. They are notoriously fussy eaters and their tendency to over-graze can be damaging to the sward.

“Fortunately, careful grassland management can overcome many of the issues regarding keeping horses out at grass,” says Mark Ferguson of Berrys Equestrian at Kettering.

“Horse owners need to be aware of the effect of their land management on the environment and they also need to ensure that they are meeting cross compliance requirement under the Single Payment Scheme, if applicable,” he added.

Berrys Equestrian team will be offering some useful tips for equestrian pasture management on their stands at regional shows this summer. Why not call in for a drink and a chat at Nantwich Show on Wednesday, July 30, Blakesley Show on Saturday, August 2, Burwarton Show on Thursday, August 7 and Minsterley Show on Saturday, August 9.

Berrys advisers can also discuss issues such as planning, property sales and lettings, environmental schemes and business management.

More details from Mark Ferguson in East Midlands on 01536 412464 or Sarah Reece (West Midlands) on 01743 271697 or Sarah massey (North West) on 01606 49200.

Berrys is supporting children as part of the Year of Food and Farming by donating 100 pairs of wellies to three primary schools in Birmingham, enabling youngsters to experience country life, many for the first time.

The Year of Food and Farming aims to offer young people in England direct access to the countryside, farming and food. From visiting farms in the region children will have the opportunity to follow the story of farming from ‘field to fork’.

“Many children simply do not have the opportunity to visit a farm. By donating suitable footwear for farm visits Berrys will be opening up new opportunities for these schools, such as farm visits and nature walks to improve their understanding and awareness of the food chain,” said Simon Latter of chartered surveyors Berrys at Shrewsbury.

It is a growing concern that the children of today are cut off from the countryside, do not have an interest where their food comes from and muddle even basic farming facts. Recent studies reveal that more than a million children across the country have absolutely no contact with the land. Today’s children are more likely to have been on holiday abroad than to have explored England’s fields and farms.

After consulting with Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) - a registered charity with a commitment to educational work associated with food, farming and the countryside - three Birmingham inner city schools were chosen to benefit from the wellies: Highfield Junior and Infant School, Hamilton School and Holland House Infant School and Nursery.

Tina Tanner, a teacher at Highfield Junior and Infant School at Saltley said they were very pleased to receive them: “Farming is not taught at school however we have recently linked with a farmer in Staffordshire to discuss how food is produced and grown. He visited the school earlier this year and we will be visiting his farm on Thursday, June 12 and Thursday, June 19. Through various activities the children will explore and learn what is produced on the farm as well as see some of the livestock.

“For the majority of the children this will be the first time they have visited a farm due to them living in a deprived inner city area.  The children will have seen wellies in the shops and in pictures but few of them will have actually owned them,” she added.

Hands on experience of farms will provide children with a better grasp of where their food comes from and encourage them to try new foods. Children can meet a farmer and ask questions about their food, reconnecting youngsters with the food they eat.

“It has also been proved that schools with outdoor education programmes have noticed better performance from the children across the board, also showing marked improvements in classroom behaviour. By providing wellies Berrys will be allowing these children access to a learning environment in which they will learn new skills and learn about the food they eat.” Mr Latter added.

 Contact Simon Latter on 01743 271697

With farmland prices surging ahead and increased commodity prices putting confidence back into arable and dairy farming, the rural land sector is adding cheer to the property market.

Farmland is selling at unprecedented levels, pushing land prices in some cases in excess of £6,000 an acre. Arable land has jumped 40 per cent since the beginning of the year and the trend looks set to continue.

The buyers are mainly farmers, encouraged by increasing commodity prices, looking to expand production.

Demand is outstripping supply and interested Irish and European buyers are raising their stakes to compete with local buyers for the cream of the land and farms for sale. The market is underpinned with development money which is now coming through following the identification of the Midlands as a major growth area.

In Shropshire, farms are being snapped up as they are launched on the market according to Chris Jones, Berrys corporate partner in charge of agency in Shropshire.

“Traditionally, Shropshire has only a small number of farms coming to the market each year and this is still the case. The three farms we launched at Christmas sold quickly, each of them going to local farmers looking to expand production in the light of increasing commodity prices,” he said.

The big question is, will how long these prices continue to rise?

“The price of wheat has dipped and fertiliser has soared so it is not looking quite so rosy,” said Nick Bowman at Berrys Kettering office, “But these rising costs don’t seem to be curtailing the demand for land.”

Berrys last year launched an equestrian department and this sector remains buoyant.

“There isn’t a huge number of quality equestrian properties available anyway, so any that do come to the market will always attract a premium,” said Sarah Rawlins of Berrys Equestrian.

Berrys market each equestrian property individually and research the potential market  and planning opportunities before launching.

The same can also be said for residential properties and Berrys is finding that the bespoke approach is enabling the rural properties on their books to keep moving.

Berrys believe that there is a stand off rather than a major fall back in the residential market, which is a result of the uncertainty in the financial market.

Indeed, Adam Farnsworth, head of Agency with Berrys says as we move into the middle of 2008 better quality property is coming to the market as people either feel confident or need to sell.

With an increase of equestrian activity in the region, more and more people are requiring facilities for the rehabilitation of horses who have suffered serious injury or illness. Zoe Taylor of ‘Taylored Equestrian’ identified a need for such a facility in the area and drew upon Berrys’  equestrian and planning expertise to make the proposal a reality.

‘Taylored Equestrian’ is due to open its doors with an open evening on June 30 from 5.30pm. Run by Zoe Taylor, an experienced dressage rider, the centre will include specialist equipment such as a hydrotherapy spa, weighbridge, solarium and a treadmill, all contained in a purpose built building. 

Set in a picturesque location near Baschurch in Shropshire, the centre will provide a calm setting for recuperating horses. Taylored Equestrian will offer a bespoke recuperation programme for each individual horse’s needs, accelerating their recovery from injury.

Before the project could go ahead, Zoe brought in Berrys to help with the preparation of a business plan and planning application. The planning application required the careful preparation of supporting documents, providing a detailed analysis of the proposed business.

“It wasn’t a straightforward application because it was in open countryside, however, justification was made for the development as there was a particular need for the facility and it was supported by local associated businesses,” explained Stephen Locke, Berrys’ planning specialist at Shrewsbury.

Zoe Taylor added: “Berrys had the expertise to guide us through the planning process and successfully obtain planning permission, without which the project could not have got off the ground.”

 This project joins a number of others carried out by Berrys Equestrian over the past year. Berrys Equestrian offers a full range of equestrian services for the equine business and the leisure rider. Berrys offers a property sale and search service, as well as an extensive range of professional services including planning and development projects.

For help with equestrian, planning and diversification projects call your local Berrys office

The government has postponed plans requiring homeowners to produce a home information pack (HIP) before they put their property on the market.

From June 1, sellers were due to comply with the regulation and have the pack ready before they could put their homes on the market.

But in a written statement the housing minister, Caroline Flint, said the current rules, which allow a home to be put up for sale as long as a pack has been commissioned, would remain in place until the end of the year.

”Iam today laying amendments to the Home Information Pack Regulations to extend the temporary first day marketing provision, and to extend the temporary provision requiring HIPs to include the "Lease" only and to "authorise" other leasehold documents, from 1 June to 31 December 2008,” she said.

“The temporary first day marketing provision allows a property to be marketed without a HIP where the documents required for inclusion in the HIP have been commissioned and paid for.

“We introduced the temporary first day marketing provision in order to help smooth the implementation of HIPs, and our evidence shows that it has been effective in doing this. However, we believe that a further period of the flexibility provided by the measure would be prudent. I am, therefore, laying an order to amend the Home Information Packs Regulations to extend the provision from 1 June to 31 December 2008.”
 
She said that the provision to allow leasehold homes be marketed without including the full paperwork in the pack would also be extended until the end of the year.

A rare opportunity to acquire a diversified agricultural business with further potential for development has arisen with the sale of Perry Farm at Whittington near Oswestry in Shropshire. 

The property, which includes a farmhouse suitable for bed and breakfast, large-scale poultry unit, leisure complex, traditional buildings with planning consent for residential conversion and fertile agricultural land extending to 185.23 acres was launched by Berrys this week (April 28).

“Perry Farm is a family-run concern that has been developed into a successful business by the present owners who are selling due to retirement,” said Chris Jones, who is handling the sale for Berrys at Shrewsbury.

“The traditional buildings provide an interesting opportunity to expand the residential accommodation at Perry Farm offering potential to be used as holiday accommodation or longer term lets,” he said.

The guide for the whole is £2.7 million, although the property can be sold in lots, if required.

Perry Farm House is a substantial well maintained Georgian house with a large south facing private garden adjoining the River Perry. The accommodation is in good order and has previously been used for bed and breakfast. It comprises: entrance hall, drawing room, rear hall, sitting room, breakfast room, dining room, kitchen, utility, cloakroom, storage area and garage.

On the first floor there are five good sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. The farmhouse was re-roofed and re-wired in the late 1970s and all sash windows have recently been refurbished.

At the front of the property lies a large south facing garden with a feature pergola running from the front door to the River Perry at the foot of the garden. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with shrub borders and mature trees.

The poultry enterprise comprises four modern, low profile poultry houses measuring 300 feet x 60 feet each currently rearing in excess of 900,000 broiler chickens per year. Houses 2, 3 and 4 were constructed in 1996 and house 1 in 2004. In addition to the poultry houses there are six storage silos each with 13 tonne capacity and two with 20 tonne capacity.

The leisure complex, “Number 42” is a unique diversified enterprise which was opened in 2006 by the current owners and is located within a former farm building adjacent to the farmhouse. The leisure complex comprises a reception area, gym, swimming pool, treatment room and changing facilities. Number 42 is open to the public on a private hire basis between 6am and 10pm during weekdays and between 6am and 6pm during weekends. The venture has proved very successful to date with most afternoon and evening appointments fully booked by regular customers.

The brick and slate range of traditional farm buildings have planning consent for conversion into three dwellings, providing an opportunity to further diversify the property with holiday accommodation or residential lettings.

The agricultural land at Perry Farm extends to 185.23 acres (74.96 hectares) of level productive grade II and III land interspersed with coppices and bounded by hedgerow and livestock proof fences. The land is currently down to pasture and cereal crops and has a water storage reservoir and abstraction licence. The reservoir has potential for alternative uses such as water sports, subject to the necessary planning consent being obtained.

Single Farm Payment Entitlements allocated to Perry Farm will be transferred to the purchaser subject to transfer regulations.

“This is an excellent family farming opportunity offering traditional arable and poultry enterprises alongside a leisure complex with the opportunity to expand the business by developing the farm buildings,” Mr Jones added.

For details, or to view the property, contact Chris Jones or Sarah Rawlins at Berrys on 01743 271697.

Chartered surveyors group Berrys has appointed a new Managing Partner.  Matthew Anwyl, who is based in Shropshire, succeeds Paul Pridmore who has led the firm since its was formed in 1992 after a management buyout from the Nationwide Building Society.

Paul, 58, who is based at the firm’s Kettering office will continue as a partner and chairman, providing professional services to corporate and private clients.

Matthew, 41, joined Berrys in 1988 working in the farm management department at Kettering, initially under the Nationwide brand.

He moved to work with Graham Holmes at the Shrewsbury office in 1993 and has since seen the group develop from employing 15 staff at two offices to its current three offices and 55 staff. The firm also has an office in Cheshire and owns a number of subsidiary companies.

Berrys offers a range of property and business services from farm and house sales through to valuations, lettings, business management, environmental services and planning and development.

“I am delighted that Matthew has agreed to further his management role within the company and I am sure that Berrys will continue to grow under his leadership,” said Paul Pridmore.

“I will be spending more time with my client base at Kettering, developing the professional, valuation, arbitration and expert witness dispute resolution services we offer to a wide range of businesses in the area,” he added.

Matthew will continue to work alongside fellow partner Chris Jones at the Shrewsbury office, developing the Berrys brand in Shropshire, while assuming greater responsibility for the management of the Berrys business.

“I am looking forward to providing my clients with the range of quality professional services they have come to expect from Berrys,” he said.

Matthew joined Berrys as a graduate from London University and completed his RICS and CAAV examinations whilst working for the firm. He and his wife Emma have two sons and live near Shrewsbury. In his spare time he enjoys shooting and fishing.

Matthew can be contacted on 01743 271697. Paul Pridmore is on 01536 412464

With the cost of fertiliser nearly doubling in price over the past few months, Cheshire Grassland Society’s Research and Development Group has been considering the response of nitrogen fertiliser up to 400 kg/ha (320 units/acre) on site classes 2 and 3 (representing most of the grass growing conditions in the county).

“We don’t want to reduce an input if you still get a good response to it,” says Howard Hughes, senior business consultant with Berrys, and committee member of the R and D group.

“We found that grass production is a better option, even as silage, compared to cereal prices in excess of £150 per tonne.

“You have an effective return up to 300 kg/ha (240 units/acre). Once you exceed 300 kg/ha, especially on site class 3, the returns are brought more into question.

“The Development committee recommends you should be prepared to use up to a maximum of 325 kg/ha (260 units/acre) even at £280 /tonne for nitrogen.

“Maximising the use of slurry should be of real importance. Maximum applications, on grassland, are 250 kg/ha, which will provide you with a usable 85 kg/ha (70 units/acre) or around 25 per cent of your nitrogen requirements,” he said.

“Grass and silage are by far the cheapest feeds for dairy cows.  It is vital that we look at grass as a valuable resource and manage it correctly,” he added.

Mr Hughes was speaking at a farm walk organised by Cheshire Grassland Society’s Research and Development Group at Stuart Yarwood’s Lower Medhurst Green Farm, Congleton.

More details from Howard Hughes at Berrys' Cheshire office on 01606 49200

Although planning policy often restricts new residential development in rural areas, there is still hope for that dream home in the countryside. Many planning authorities still permit conversion of traditional farm buildings into residential homes or live/work units.

Some farm buildings are no longer suitable for agricultural use and their sympathetic conversion into housing is often preferable than allowing them to fall totally derelict to become an eyesore on the landscape.

“Individual councils have different policy towards farm building development but most in Northamptonshire look favourably on barn conversions, even in open countryside, providing they are tastefully converted to retain the appearance and character of the original farm building,” explained Paul Johnson, senior planning consultant with chartered surveyors Berrys at Kettering.

“With a diminishing supply of traditional barns and uncertainty in the planning system in a number of areas, we are urging farmers with unused barns to consider releasing them for development,” he said.

“Landowners are advised to take professional advice and bank planning permission now, to avoid missing out on the opportunity to maximise the capital value of their buildings,”

Berrys can visit the site to assess the planning potential of the barns and advise on current planning policy. Obtaining detailed planning permission now will secure the value of a redundant farm building for at least three years.

“Local planning policy is changing to adopt the Local Development Framework with more rigorous controls on residential development and more prescriptive policy, focussed on local needs. This may preclude some conversions in the future,” he said.

Berrys has extensive experience of a wide range of planning and development work from residential schemes to offices, workshops, holiday lets, tearooms, etc. The firm offers independent advice and submission of planning applications and appeals providing a one-stop shop with in-house architects, environmental specialists, planning consultants, business experts and landscape designers.

For details on current planning issues, or for a free, initial consultation, contact Paul Johnson at Berrys on 01536 532387 or email paul.johnson@berrybros.com

The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates to five per cent has to be seen against a background of many factors.

The slowdown seen at the agent-end of property sales has now found its way through the hands of the analysts and the March Halifax figures provide stark reading for those with high levels of borrowings among the 1.5 million people coming off fixed rate mortgages this year.

“The money is not there to be borrowed and the increase in some deposit requirement to 10 per cent means that a householder in the Midlands with an average priced house of £200,000 will have to provide £20,000 in deposit,” said Adam Farnsworth, head of agency with Berrys in Northamptonshire.

“Many people will have to find that money from scratch and two average salary earners may take two to three years to achieve it.”

They say inflation is under control but in reality, mortgage payments, tax, petrol, food and energy bills are all up and council tax is about to  go up by four per cent.in 2008. Salary increases in the first quarter of the year were estimated at 3.5 per cent against a 4.1 per cent current retail price index inflation level.

“The dive into debt which so many have taken is an individual responsibility but when you cannot trust a bank who can you trust. The adverse consequences of an unchecked sliding into debt and massive losses by the banks as they have sunk into secondary and deeper lending in the sub prime sector has this week hit home to us lesser mortals,” Mr Farnsworth said.

“As they rectify their balance sheets and call in equity there is nothing in the cupboard. A quarter of a per cent this week is not going to be enough to stabilise the house market.”

So how does it all compare to the house price crash of 1992? The estimated growth in house prices over the last 10 years of some 170 per cent is matched by the evidence that the average house costs about six years of average pay as opposed to 3.5 years in 1992.

“It all looks very static in the property sector except in the land and farms market,” said Mr Farnsworth.

“Major house builders are seeing a drop in unit sales by 25 per cent to 30 per cent  -  a fact clearly reflected in the performance in their shares.

“The factors which give stability to the depressing news on values is that the unemployment level is at one million compared with three million in 1992 and we are not talking of interest rates at the 15 per cent level that they went to in 1992 when Sterling joined the European Exchange Mechanism. We also do not have the market surge and decline in housing caused by the abolition of Mortgage interest relief in 1988,” he explained.

House price guide prices are currently about 10 to 15 per cent higher than comparable evidence of actual sales and an annual decline in the region of five per cent to seven per cent is predicted for 2008.

“If you are serious about selling you must look at the guide price. In a flattening to falling market you need to price below the current selling averages otherwise you will soon find yourself with a property not sold.”

He says a pertinent question to ask yourself is whether the price of your house will be more, or less, in the next 24 months if you sell today?

“I cannot think of anybody involved in the market who will say that it will be worth more as you will at best be buying and selling in the same market and, at worst, the property you buy will be comparatively cheaper and you will get more for your money selling today, he added.

Adam Farnsworth, Head of Agency at Berrys, can be contacted on 01536 532373.

Expanding chartered surveyors group Berrys has appointed a senior practitioner to specialise in utilities work in the North West and West Midlands.

Peter Baron of Shocklach, Malpas in Cheshire will divide his time between the firm’s Shrewsbury and Northwich offices, working mainly with electricity, water and railway companies.

Peter has a background in the utilities sector having previously worked for the regional electricity companies Scottish Power and United Utilities and he will be continuing in this field at Berrys, securing sites and negotiating with landowners on behalf of electricity companies. He can also advise farmers on rental and compensation matters in respect of existing or proposed electricity apparatus on their land.

He will be servicing Berrys’ Network Rail contract and liaising with property and landowners on behalf of water companies to access land to improve water and waste systems and to overcome domestic flooding problems.

Peter is married to Jacqueline and his hobbies include travel, golf and music. He plays saxophone occasionally for a band near his home.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of working within the team in this busy rural practice and developing new relationships with clients,” said Peter.

Graham Bowcock, Berrys partner at Northwich said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the Berrys group. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our work in the utilities sector. ”

Peter can be contacted at Berrys Northwich office on 01606 49200 or mobile 07767827837.