Four Norfolk tenancies open for tender
Four tenancies ranging from five to 10-year terms have been launched by Norfolk County Council.
The council has said it is keen to see applications that include proposals for diversification and environmental enhancements.
Attendance at viewing days for the units is compulsory and the closing date for applications, which must be submitted online, is 12pm on Thursday 26 March.
See also: How to become a county council farm tenant
Applicants who wish to brush up on their business planning skills can attend a free two-day training course run by Anglia Rural Consultants.
For more information, visit Norfolk County Council’s website.
Cllr Greg Peck, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for commercial services and asset management, said: “We welcome applications for county farms tenancies from all backgrounds and will assess each on its own merits.
“There are opportunities for people at all stages of their farming career. Offering these tenancies underlines the council’s support for sustaining and creating rural employment throughout Norfolk.”
Ingleborough Farm
© Norfolk County Council
This unit includes 54ha of Grade 1 land with loamy and clayey soils. It forms part of the 139ha West Walton Estate, which hosts one other tenant.
The holding will be available on a 10-year farm business tenancy (FBT) from October 2020. However, the outgoing tenant will continue to hire about 29ha until October 2021.
The entitlements belong to the outgoing tenant and may be available to buy.
There is no dwelling attached to the holding but the council will discuss options for one if required.
Applications with detailed proposals for developing a care farm on this site will be considered favourably.
The viewing day is Thursday 27 February.
Bank Cottage land
© Norfolk County Council
This holding has about 28ha of Grade 1 land with loamy and clayey soils. It is part of the Terrington Estate, which has five other farm tenants across 284ha.
The land is available on a five-year FBT from October 2020. Its entitlements belong to the outgoing tenant and they may be available for sale.
The estate’s existing tenants may apply for the land to be added to their own unit, but priority will be given to new entrants.
It is available to view on Friday 28 February.
NCC Farm
© Norfolk County Council
This farm’s 30ha of Grade 1 land is best suited to sugar beet, cereals and vegetables, according to the council. It is part of the 225ha Welney Farms Estate, which currently has one other tenant.
It comes with a three-bedroom bungalow which is currently uninhabitable, and the council will explore the possibility of making improvements to this, as well as the farm’s buildings.
The entitlements belong to the outgoing tenant and may be available to buy.
The farm is available on a 10-year FBT from October 2020, and the viewing day is on Tuesday 25 February.
New Road Farm
© Norfolk County Council
This unit includes about 37ha of Grade 2 land with loamy and sandy soils. It is on the 1,399ha Stow and Marshland Estate, which has 18 other tenants.
It also has a three-bedroom house and a range of buildings, which the council will consider improving.
The farm is available on a 10-year FBT from October 2020, and the viewing day is Wednesday 26 February.