An update from CLA East Advisers
Peter Ewin and Bee Barton-Broomhead highlight some of the topics they have been helping members with in recent weeks
The CLA East team is here to help members with all their land management and rural business enquiries. They enjoy unlimited advice as part of their membership.
Our advisers Bee Barton-Broomhead and Peter Ewin provide a short summary of some of the topics they have been covering in recent weeks.
Over the past month we’ve been supporting members with a wide range of issues that continue to shape the rural landscape.
Waste crime and fly-tipping remain persistent frustrations, with many landowners left to deal with the financial, legal and environmental consequences of illegally dumped material. I’ve been helping members understand their responsibilities, how enforcement works in practice, and the preventative steps that can reduce risk.
Business rates have also generated a steady stream of enquiries following the latest revaluations. Many members are seeking clarity on how their new rateable values have been calculated, what reliefs they may be eligible for, and how to navigate the Check, Challenge, Appeal process to ensure they are being assessed fairly.
Alongside this, I’ve been speaking with members about water abstraction and Environment Agency permitting, particularly where changes in licensing or compliance requirements affect day to day operations. Helping members understand their obligations and the implications for long-term planning has been a key part of this work.
There is also growing interest in natural capital opportunities and Biodiversity Net Gain. Members are increasingly exploring how their land might support emerging environmental markets, and I’ve been advising on the legal, financial and practical considerations involved in taking those ideas forward.
Bee Barton-Broomhead, CLA East Adviser
We have seen a steady flow of enquiries relating to development land for housing, including early-stage option and promotion agreements, as well as planning issues around agricultural dwellings and occupancy conditions.
There has been a significant increase in residential tenancy work, particularly queries arising from the new Renter’s Rights Act, with members seeking clarity on security of tenure, compliance obligations, and how residential tenancies may be brought back in hand in the future.
Infrastructure and utilities have also been a major focus. The East region is experiencing rapid expansion in this area, with members raising queries connected to projects such as East West Rail, the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline, and a wide range of wayleave and easement matters.
This is an area I am actively developing, so please keep these enquiries coming in. We are keen to facilitate meetings with developers and agents to help support members through what can be a daunting time.
We have also received a number of more unusual queries which certainly keep us on our toes, and we always enjoy seeing something different come through the East office.
These have ranged from advising on photoshoots taking place on rural land to queries around keeping ponies in riding schools. We value the variety of work we are asked to assist with and are always pleased to support members across the full breadth of issues they face.
CLA members can access a range of guidance notes on a wide range of land management topics here >
Contact your regional office on 01638 590 429 or email east@cla.org.uk if you require advice from our advisers.