Land Use & the Environment

Purchasing a substantial agricultural farming company, which involved a team of 15 lawyers who provided strategic advice on the corporate, planning, environmental, employment, development opportunities, commercial contracts and property matters, which extended to some 2500 acres of farmland, 35 residential properties, commercial lets and joint venture agreements over a further 1500 acres.

Advising the owner of a large estate of nearly 1000 acres as they encountered financial difficulties and went into administration. Specialist insolvency expertise was obtained within the Firm and negotiations were conducted with both the administrator and the tenant. These negotiations resulted in an excellent outcome for the landlord.

Acting for a substantial farming business, who became the subject of a hostile claim for all of their land and business assets. This was a highly complex case, which involved the gathering and preparation of numerous detailed witness statements, recounting events going back over 30 years.

Acting for a £multi-million commercial farming tenant in a dispute with a landlord over the grant and interpretation of a tenancy to a substantial part of the business. This was a high stakes case with possible consequences which were business critical, requiring legal advice at the cutting edge, and a significant team to document the eventual settlement.

Advising on the corporate disposal of a £multi-million commercial farming operation, including advising on complex taxation considerations.

Advising landed estates in connection with the grant and administration of agricultural and sporting tenancies.

Acting for a landed estate in connection with the grant of an option to a quality house builder. The deal included finding alternative farmland for an agricultural tenant and provided for the development of the site in various phases. The landowner was keen to maintain the integrity and high reputation of the estate amongst the local community.