Fisher German magazine issue 1 Summer 2008

Summer 2008 | Issue 01

Property Spotlight

Golden opportunities Maximising the potential of your land Renewable energy

On the farm nothing goes to waste

Succession planning

Keep your assets in the family

Estate business

Modern management

rural • residential • commercial

www.fishergerman.co.uk

Farms Estates Rural Residential Equestrian Commercial Auctions

Ashby de la Zouch 01530 412821 Banbury 01295 271555 Knutsford 01565 757970 Market Harborough 01858 410200 Newark 01949 851815 Southampton 02380 883150 Stafford 01785 220044 Worcester 01905 453275 Freephone 0800 1075522 www.fishergerman.co.uk

Welcome to the new Fisher German magazine For some time many of our contacts have said “We did not know you did that.” The growth of our business to include utilities, development, country house and farm agency along with our original services of farm and estate management has surprised ourselves. Most recently, and looking forward, we are very excited about our renewable energy services whose impact will cut across nearly all our disciplines.

As a firm we continue to grow both in services and geography. Our recent acquisition of John Hopkinson & Co, based near Newark, has given us a very well respected presence in the north Nottinghamshire area.

Similarly, the purchase of John Royle Limited, near St Helens, gives us greater strength in the Cheshire area.

Training and development of our staff is an utmost priority. By way of an example, we recruited 10 graduates last autumn and this policy is now showing clear benefits to the business in the success rate in professional exams, not least by Kate Williams winning the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers exam prize. We are looking forward to taking on a similar number of graduates this autumn.

In a very fast changing environment, particularly in those fields which we serve, we remain committed to providing a first class service for our clients and innovating new ideas in land use and property management.

We very much hope that you will find this inaugural magazine interesting and hope this will stimulate ideas for you.

Henry Sale & Andrew Jackson Managing partners

“Fisher German remains committed to providing a first class service for our clients and innovating new ideas in land use and property management”

Inside this issue... news and views Discover how gas is being fast-tracked to the south west, the profits that landowners can make from wind farms and why daffodils could offer a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease

features 20 on fertile ground

Farmers can win-win through utilising waste

The essential work of Fisher German’s utilities department

Property

ServicesDirectory

10 Green and pleasant land

A complete range of services for all our clients’ needs

Productive farmland for sale across seven counties

12 To the manor born

Fisher German excels in managing and selling country estates

14 Fairytale homes

Idyllic properties to buy or rent

22 IDEAS IN THE PIPELINE

16 A HAVEN FOR HORSE LOVERS

24 Family planning

18 planning for growth

26 tISSINGTON

19 under the hammer

Flexible farming methods can keep land assets in the family

Modern management has propelled this estate forwards

Properties with equestrian potential are in great demand

Fisher German can advise on intriguing commercial ventures

29 equestrian 30 planning & development 31 TELECOMmunications 32 pipelines & waterways 33 renewable energy 34 expert witness 36 fisher german offices

An invaluable insight into what property sells well at auction

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 3

news&views pipeline development

Tunnel vision A pipeline construction project between North Somerset and South Devon will double the rate of gas flow in the region

The Fisher German Pipelines team at the Ashby office has been involved in a mammoth construction project in Devon, acting as land agents for National Grid Gas. The company’s South West Reinforcement project is providing a 600mm diameter 75km-long pipeline between North Somerset and South Devon in order to double the rate of gas flow in the region and supply the new Centrica Langage Power Station.

The tunnel below the Exmouth estuary was the single most costly part of the ÂŁ100-million project, plunging 30 metres below ground. The twin shafts at either end of the pipeline are deep enough to swallow 15-storey buildings, and a drilling apparatus similar to that used on the Channel Tunnel was employed. The tunnel, constructed by specialist UK-based contractor Byzak, is almost three metres wide and over one-and-a-half kilometres in length.

Work commenced on the tunnel project in September 2006 and is scheduled for completion in June this year. l For further details, contact Adrian Webb at the Ashby office on 01530 410817 or email adrian.webb@fishergerman.co.uk

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news&views WIND farms

The answer is blowinG in the wind...

Landowners are in a prime position to make phenomenal profits

Mark Newton, head of the Fisher German wind farm department, recently spoke at a Blenheim Palace conference about making money from wind farms. Mark believes that if landowners were prepared to spend up to £400,000 on a planning application and appeal, and were successful, they could then make huge profits by selling the planning permission to a wind farm company which would pay in the region of £200,000 to £300,000 per mega watt (MW) for a lower wind speed site, and up to £500,000 per MW for the best Scottish sites.

However, most landowners are unaware of the potential to further their profit from wind farms simply by dealing with the planning application themselves. Fisher German has found itself with an important role to play in advising them.

The majority of landowners have tended to follow the traditional route of having an option agreement and then granting a 25-year lease to the wind farm company, allowing them to take all the risk and deal with the planning application and costs.

By taking matters into their own hands, landowners could sell the planning

“There is an immense amount of money waiting to be made” Mark Newton, Fisher German

permission for an average price of £400,000 to £600,000 per turbine (assuming the average turbine is 2MW). This means the landowner would not only recoup the £400,000 planning costs on the first turbine, but any further turbines planned could produce serious money.

Currently, in England, the success rate for approval of wind farm planning applications is in the region of one-in-two. Additional costs are incurred if the landowner wishes to take on the building of the project – costs are £1 million to £1.3 million per mega watt (MW).

So, for a 10MW wind farm, the total costs are approximately £10 million to £13 million, with a projected return of 10 per cent to 20 per cent to the owner – depending on the wind speeds. Encouragingly, banks are still lending money for good wind farm projects. l

For independent advice on wind farming contact: Mark Newton on 01858 411215, email mark.newton@fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 5

news&views

PIPELINE management

going underground

Fisher German’s Linesearch.org website is the leading pipeline search enquiry tool in the UK

Finding out what lies beneath has always been a laborious task for those involved in working underground, but when the consequences of not checking before you dig could include cutting into a high-voltage electricity cable or a high pressure gas pipeline, it is not something you can afford to ignore. Fisher German offers a solution in the form of the leading online search enquiry tool in the UK, Linesearch.org.

After 26 years’ experience in specialist pipeline management, Fisher German recognised an opportunity to offer a central point of contact for below ground apparatus enquiries. A system consolidating this information would bring considerable benefits to apparatus owners, operators and enquirers.

Linesearch.org, a free, online utility search enquiry system, was born.

Linesearch.org now enables enquirers to find out about member apparatus both above and below ground, which could affect any engineering, project works or building work planned on the land.

When National Grid came on board in March 2008, adding its national transmission network information, the length of apparatus covered on Linesearch.org increased to approximately 24,000km. This includes not only in excess of 7000km of national high pressure gas pipelines, but also over 965km of 275/400 kilovolt underground electricity cables.

Steve Wing, head of Gas & Pipeline Unit, in the Hazardous Installations Division with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) comments: “HSE welcomes the fact that National Grid has placed the records of their national transmission

system on Linesearch. It is now easier to obtain current and accurate pipeline information. National Grid’s membership of Linesearch will further reduce the risk of thirdparty damage to their high-pressure transmission pipelines, and so help to prevent the possibility of a major hazard incident. HSE looks forward to other pipeline operators joining Linesearch.”

Other members include; Coryton Energy Co. Ltd (gas pipelines) and Premier Transmission Ltd (SNIP) which takes Linesearch membership numbers to 20 in total.

Registration and use of the site is free and easy. Since its inception in 2003, Linesearch.org has gone from strength to strength, now receiving in excess of 45,000 enquiries per month from councils, utility companies and their contractors, multi-nationals and private individuals alike. l

For further information contact the Linesearch team on 08704 036484, visit www.linesearch.org or email enquiries@linesearch.org

fARMING

hitting farmers where it hurts

Costs escalate for fuel and fertiliser as well as for commodities

Farmers need to watch costs more than ever

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Just as wheat prices soar, the rise in the price of fertiliser and fuel is hitting farmers where it hurts. Nitrogen prices have almost doubled from £165 per ton in 2007 to £320 per ton this year. Phosphates are over £700 per ton and potash costs are climbing to over £425 per ton.

Applying a comprehensive fertiliser programme now costs a staggering £120 per acre.

Wheat prices began to rise in 2007 due to bad weather in key growing areas such as Canada, China and parts of Europe.

Global supplies have slipped to their lowest levels in 26 years and wheat has seen its biggest price rise in history going from £85 per ton in April 2007, to £200 per ton around Christmas.

In spite of the increase in wheat prices, the margins are going down. An increase in price of oil-based fuel coupled with the increase in fertiliser prices means that farmers who run their business on overdrafts will see a large increase in finance charges as well. So, a 1000-acre farmer who is used

news&views health

flower power

Do daffodils hold the secret to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?

“Linesearch now receives in excess of 45,000 enquiries per month”

Daffodils farmed in the Black Mountains of Wales may be an important discovery in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia affecting one person in five over the age of 80.

Field trials to grow the country’s national flower on a farm scale are now in their third year, and early indications show that in the right conditions the flower can produce much higher and cheaper levels of natural galanthamine, that slows down the progression of the disease.

On the Tregoyd Estate, four miles from Hay-on-Wye, live farmers John and Helen Price, who have been involved in the trials since the beginning. They explain: “We began growing daffodils at 1200 feet in the Black Mountains and have now

extended the trials to some of our lower land. It may be that stressing the plants by growing them at altitude, the mountain climate and local red soil characteristics all play a part in producing more of this plant alkaloid.”

Professor Trevor Walker, who is heading the trial, is convinced that the compound will help slow down the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and reduce treatment costs.

Anthony Mayell of Fisher German is managing agent on this privately owned 6500-acre estate: “Added to the benefits for Welsh bio-science, the pharmaceutical industry and an ageing population, the potential for Welsh hill farms is significant.” l For more details, contact Anthony Mayell on 01905 453275, email anthony.mayell@ fishergerman.co.uk

to variable costs around the £120 to £140 per acre will have to borrow £140,000 to fund the cost of inputs. With variable costs at £200 to £250 per acre this now means a further £100,000 of borrowing that will cost the business £7000 a year in interest.

James Goodson of Fisher German adds: “To add further costs to the farm business, the rise in fuel prices is creating a double whammy, with agricultural diesel increasing from 35p per litre from last year, to over 60p per litre. Running a new 200 horsepower tractor used to cost around £40 an hour – this has now risen to over £50 an hour.” l Contact James Goodson on 01858 411250, email james. goodson@fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 7

news&views

renewable energy

money for methane It’s true... ‘where there’s muck there’s brass’ The beleaguered livestock industry in the UK is in a superb position to exploit the move towards renewable energy by investing in micro-power generation plants and producing electricity or gas that can be sold into the National Grid network.

The imposition of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones across the UK has caused a significant headache for livestock farmers who have to get rid of millions of tons of muck, slurry and litter every year, and this problem is likely to intensify as environmental restrictions tighten under emerging EU legislation.

Stephen Rice, renewables expert for Fisher German, comments: “There is a solution and one which could generate a significant amount of non-farm income for the livestock producer.” The process is simple: waste material is put into a sealed tank (most of which is located beneath ground), the tank is heated gently and the waste material breaks down under

anaerobic conditions to produce methane gas.

This is then tapped off to a storage tank, and the remaining fibrous material can be spread on the land as fertiliser. The methane gas can then either be pumped into the National Grid gas network or burnt to produce electricity, which again can be fed into the National Grid or put through a combined heat and power plant

Depending upon the size of the farm, bio-gas plants can be installed for as little as £200,000 for personal use or up to £3 million for larger farms producing up to 30 mega watts of electricity for sale into the National Grid.

There are now various companies that will take small amounts from individual producers and put them together to produce a more

“The technology for burning methane gas to produce electricity has existed for years in developing countries” (CHP) to produce heat and power for use on the farmstead itself.

The gas and electricity sold into the National Grid are eligible for Renewable Obligation Certificate payments (ROCs) which effectively means that the renewable energy provider receives a higher price for the green energy sold into the grid than the normal dirty energy producers.

favourable package on a co-operative basis.

Livestock producers should therefore seriously consider this option, especially as grant funding could be available through the Regional Development Agencies. Another plus is that given the security of income involved here, the banks are interested in providing capital for this type of project. l

For further information contact Stephen Rice tel: 01295 226297 / 07918 677575, email stephen.rice@fishergerman.co.uk

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news&views

development

£60-MiLLION grant for rural businesses East Midlands’ rural economy is set to be stimulated At the beginning of January 2008, the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) announced that approximately £60 million of grant funding was available to the East Midlands. The new Rural Development Programme (RDPE) will fund the grants for England between 2008 and 2013. The key aim is to stimulate the rural economy, with funding targeted at land-based businesses including farmers, foresters, horticulturists and equine businesses.

In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must prove that the project will satisfy at least one of the following criteria: adding value to agricultural, horticultural or forestry products – including the development of new products, processes and technologies;

co-operation and collaboration between businesses to improve efficiency – including infrastructure and equipment investment; and promoting diversification in the rural economy.

In addition, approximately £12 million of the funding is to be allocated specifically for livestock businesses.

Specific project costs covered by the grant funding include: investment in property, machinery and equipment; professional fees/technical support (eg architect, surveyor or engineer); market research/feasibility study costs; product development expenses and skills acquisition and training.

Fisher German offers specialist advice, help and preparation with applications for grant funding. l

In the first instance, please contact Richard Sanders on 01858 410200

FARM MANAGEMENT

adding value for farmers

Fisher German’s Farm Management Department expands The Farm Management Department (FMD) has grown substantially, in line with the expansion of Fisher German as a whole, and, with the appointment of two new professionals, James Goodson and Tom Heathcote, the FMD can now offer a wider range of services and new skills.

James Goodson comments: “It is clear that farm business management advice will become an increasingly important element, alongside contract farm agreements,

single payment scheme advice and rental negotiations. Substantial fluctuations in farm commodity prices will also feature prominently in the foreseeable future, and there may well be a period of improved profitability in some sectors of the industry.”

The FMD is moving into a new era for agriculture where a professional approach to management and accessible market information will once again generate real rewards to the business. l

For further information, please contact Richard Sanders on 01858 410200

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 9

Green and pleasant land Be inspired by eight pages of some of the finest rural properties

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property showcase

Farm property

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gricultural land in Britain continues to be in strong demand and is achieving record prices. Overseas buyers have been snapping up some of the larger farms, with smaller farms tending to go to lifestyle buyers. “Also, in the last 12 months or so, with more buoyant British agriculture, it is good to find that UK farmers are a stronger force in the market again”, says Charles Haselwood of Fisher German’s Banbury office.

He adds: “While it is never easy to arrive at average prices, everyone looks for a guide, so for a block of arable land say over 100 acres in the Midlands in 2003/4 you could expect £3000 per acre; in 2005/6 you could expect up to £4000 per acre; and for 2007/8 up to £6000 per acre, with £7000 for cases of particularly strong demand.”

Fisher German has wide experience of the sale of all types of agricultural property, from estates over 1000 acres, to paddocks of two or three acres, by auction or by private treaty. “In addition to sales expertise, we bring to bear the firm’s much wider professional knowledge and experience of all sorts of other issues relating to agricultural and rural property generally,” says Charles. “This is essential to deals being well sorted out in advance in every detail, rather than perhaps being held up by problems arising between striking the deal and exchange of contracts.”

On the market

Above: Hall Farmhouse, Kneeton, in Nottinghamshire, has a six-bedroom farmhouse with wonderful views This page: Upper Lea Farm, Banbury, is a mix of pasture and arable land

Fisher German’s seven Midlands offices often generate farm property sales that benefit from easy access to the national motorway network at a central point. A good example of this was Jesse Farm, at Morley near derbyshire, which was sold last year.

The property comprised 97 acres of pasture land, a large farmhouse divided into two dwellings and a range of traditional and modern farm buildings. Its location was key, as Charles Meynell of Fisher German explains: “Only six miles from Derby city centre, Jesse Farm provided an opportunity to develop a sizeable country home within an easy commute from one of the region’s main centres.” Set in beautiful countryside, the farm offered privacy and the potential for a range of other uses, including equestrian.

Another case was Upper Lea Farm near Banbury, OXFORDSHIRE, sold in late 2007, and ideally situated amid beautiful countryside just six miles from Junction 11 of the M40.

The property consisted of a period house, two cottages and a range of traditional and modern farm buildings set in 305 acres of land.

On the market currently is Red House Farm in worcestershire, a residential stock farm near Evesham and the Cotswold Escarpment. The four-bedroom Victorian farmhouse requires renovation, a period barn has conversion possibilities, and there is a range of farm buildings with 66.46 acres of farmland suitable for a variety of cropping or equestrian uses. The farm is being offered for sale by auction on Wednesday 4th June at a guide price of £700,000.

Also on the market for offers in excess of £2 million is Marlpit House Farm, in staffordshire, which boasts 262 acres, a large range of farm buildings, and a six-bedroom Victorian house. A smaller farm is Manor Farm, situated in Hornton, oxfordshire.

This property has 123 acres with an agriculturally ‘tied’ bungalow, modern buildings, and mixed arable and pasture land. Further north is Gallops Farm in Arnesby, LEICESTERSHIRE, with 124 acres of pasture land, and a large smokehouse in addition to cottage and farm buildings. The guide price was £1.5 million and the farm has now been sold, subject to contract. Last but by no means least, is Manor Farm at Gaydon in warwickshire. This includes a beautiful Grade-II listed farmhouse dating back to the 16th century, an extensive range of outbuildings and two, three-bedroom cottages set in 132 acres. The guide price is £2 million.

For more details of farms for sale, contact Charles Haselwood on 01295 226289, or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 11

property showcase

Hornton Grounds Estate: New to the market, this residence is attracting considerable attention

Country estates

To the manor born Fisher German specialises in the management and sale of a variety of high-value country estates

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he Fisher German team understands estates. They have been both managing and selling estates for hundreds of years and it is one of the cornerstones of the business. Some of the estates they sell have also been managed by the team and through the years they have had the privilege of experiencing and understanding each of their unique and distinctive characteristics: “When managing estates you develop a true insight into this type of property and land and it most definitely helps a great deal when it comes to selling estates,” says partner John Pitts.

The stanford Estate in Nottinghamshire had been managed

by Fisher German since the 1950s. “We knew the estate inside out,” says John. It comprised 1508 acres of prime agricultural land and woodland, and presented the unusual opportunity to buy a large, mixed investment estate with the chance to break up and sell in lots or to retain part and sell part.

Previous owners included Queen Mary I, a sheriff of Nottingham and, in the 20th century, Sir Julien Cahn – an entrepreneur, businessman, magician and benefactor. Unfortunately, after Sir Julien’s death in 1944 his widow was forced to sell Stanford Hall to meet death duties, and the family sold the remainder of the estate in 2007. The estate included a family-sized house, seven agricultural tenancies, 19 houses and cottages and two telecom sites. It was put on the market at £12.5 million and sold as a single lot.

Following the decision of the owner of Allexton Hall to sell the

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estate, Fisher German, who had acted as consultants, were appointed to bring the property to the market because the owner was confident that they would provide a first class, personal service. Allexton, near Uppingham on the Leicestershire/Rutland border, had fewer acres than Stanford and featured an elegant manor house and a range of estate residences, including a large in-hand farm. Its owners had carried out extensive refurbishment to the Grade-II listed manor house (the main part being early 20th century with an earlier wing) renovating it to high standards. The 964-acre estate also featured a courtyard of three homes, a pair of gate lodges, a farmhouse and excellent equestrian facilities, including 22 loose boxes and a manège, in addition to some 800 acres of arable land which was farmed by the vendor. The estate was bought by a private buyer, a businessman who now lives at Allexton with his family.

New to the market, Hornton Grounds Estate offers an impressive range of options for potential purchasers. Situated five miles from Banbury on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border, it comprises 723 acres of farmland, a striking country house and a diverse range of additional properties. The estate is available as a whole or in lots. Lot one, Hornton Grounds Farm, consists of a 429acre farm featuring a Grade-II listed manor house dating back to the late 18th century, beautiful gardens, farm buildings, a stone cutting yard and land. Other lots include a barn conversion with land, a cottage, also with land, a farmstead with development potential and a number of productive parcels of arable and pasture land. As a whole, the estate is offered at £6.5 million. Paul Clayson of Fisher German is experiencing considerable interest in the individual lots and also almost as a whole: “There hasn’t been a property like this on the market in this area for quite some time.”

The properties covered here demonstrate that each estate invariably is unique and diverse in nature and the insight and handson knowledge that the Fisher German team possesses will ensure that the company finds the right buyer for the right estate.

For more details of estates for sale, contact John Pitts on 01530 410810 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Stanford Estate: This Nottinghamshire property has diverse opportunities

Allexton Hall Estate: Excellent equestrian facilities and a beautiful manor house make this the perfect retreat

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 13

property showcase Main image: Become lord of the manor by renting medieval Norbury Left: An idyllic thatched modern home in Market Harborough

Rural residential

Fairytale homes

Many people dream of living in a characterful period house – a windmill, a barn conversion or a chocolate box thatched cottage. Think laterally and perhaps your dream can come true

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aking a different approach in a home search can reap the benefits, especially if you’re looking for a unique residence.

Renting a property for a time can give access to dream homes that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive to most of us bar Russian oligarchs, hedge fund managers and footballers.

Norbury Manor, near Ashbourne in Derbyshire, is a Grade-I listed 17th-century manor house with medieval hall. The seat of the FitzHerbert family from the 13th century to the mid 20th century, many original features remain, including the undercroft.

The home has a rich history. Sir John FitzHerbert fought for the Royalists during the Civil War and was killed at Lichfield. Following his death the house fell into disrepair, but his son William decided to rebuild it completely in 1680. Fortunately, much of the Tudor panelling and stained glass windows were left intact and can still be enjoyed today. Norbury Manor is owned by the National Trust and was offered to let by tender at a guide of £2000 pcm, with Fisher German handling the marketing and viewing days.

Also to let through Fisher German is QUARRY BANK HOUSE situated within the National Trust’s Styal Estate, near Wilmslow in Cheshire. The house and its idyllic ‘secret’ garden were built in the 18th century by local mill owner, Samuel Greg. The four-bedroom home also has a private garden and is offered to let under a five-year tenancy at a guide of £3000 pcm.

Renovation projects can be a way of finding the most idyllic

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properties, if you have time and resources to spend. Lode Mill, at Alstonefield, on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border, was brought to market by Fisher German last year at a guide price of £95,000.

This Grade-II listed property in the Peak District National Park was a working mill until 1929. It had fallen into disrepair, but its location made it a gem of a property. Alstonefield is tucked between the Dove and Manifold valleys below the rocky outcrops of the White Peak. With excellent walking and climbing nearby, the Mill had potential as a holiday let, subject to planning permission.

Few of us would expect to find country-style properties in the heart of bustling towns, but don’t rule them out on your search or you may miss out on some delightful options. One such property is 5 The Woodlands, in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, which was built only 40 years ago and yet has period features including a thatched roof, stone fireplace and shuttered windows. Set in an acre of grounds, it has extensive lawns surrounded by mature borders and trees, and a thatched garage. Perfectly situated for transport links and schools, this four-bedroom home is ideal for families and is offered to the market at £795,000 through Fisher German.

For more details of residential properties for sale, contact Richard Clowes on 01858 411209 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Lode Mill: This stunning Grade-II listed former mill was put on the market at ÂŁ95,000

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 15

property showcase

A haven for horse lovers The popularity of properties with equestrian facilities is on the increase, creating fresh impetus in the market

Compton Graze, in the Cotswolds, is a threebedroom property with stabling for three horses

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Prices for paddocks are rising rapidly, with landowners achieving on average between ÂŁ8000 and ÂŁ10,000 per acre, and in some cases more

“There is set to be further growth and therefore demand for equestrian properties”

Equestrian

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he equestrian property market in the Midlands continues to prosper with Fisher German expanding its existing specialist department to satisfy the need. Potential buyers with equine interests place great emphasis on the facilities a property can provide rather than geographic location.

Good riding in the locality, bridleways and an active hunt are also considerations. The residential dwelling takes second place in the £300,000 to £750,000 price range, but at higher prices the quality and size of the house become more important.

Buyers and sellers should remember that ultimately the dwelling is the biggest asset, but developing land in a flexible way and spending money on the equine side relative to the value of the main house creates a win-win situation.

The Cotswolds offer some of the finest riding in Britain amid picture postcard villages, lush pasture land and dramatic escarpments. Fisher German has recently sold (subject to contract) COMPTON GRAZE, a three-bedroom period property with separate lodge in the village of Little Compton near Moreton-in-Marsh. With stabling for three horses, foaling box, tack room, hay store and paddock grazing, it offers so much for keen riders.

ROSEMORE MANOR in Leicestershire is available offering a first class opportunity to extend an equestrian centre. With three agricultural buildings set in 168 acres, the current owners have gained consent for three more buildings, 16 stables, tack room, manège and farm office, making it ideal for those seeking a quality business establishment. STABLE COTTAGE, Thorpe Satchville, the home and business premises of renowned horse dealer Mrs Rich is also available with excellent equestrian facilities and 56 acres of pasture land.

Demand is particularly high for barns with land, stable yards, pony paddocks and houses with land. Supply, however, is very restricted. Robert Russell, head of equestrian sales at Fisher German, comments: “We can help clients maximise their equine assets, and with the industry becoming one of the fastest growing in the outdoor recreation sector, there is set to be further growth and demand for equestrian properties.”

For more details on equestrian properties for sale, contact Robert Russell on 01295 226284 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 17

“The size of the Fisher German planning and development team has rapidly expanded”

Development

Planning for growth With the prospect of three million new homes in the UK by 2020, busy times are ahead for Fisher German’s multidisciplinary team

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he Government targets to build an additional three million houses in the UK over the next 10 years, including a housing market renewal scheme to restore sustainable communities to parts of the Midlands, is set to have profound implications for landowners, property developers and public bodies alike.

As a direct response to this, the size of the Fisher German planning and development team has rapidly expanded.

The multidisciplinary team has significant experience in dealing with land development schemes, both large and small, with expertise spread over both the commercial and residential sectors. The team advises its growing client list on all types of planning matters to ensure the use and value of property is optimised. Recent schemes include the sale of a 60-acre development site in Market harborough, with outline planning permission, that involved the detail residual development valuation to reflect Section 106, as well as 130 dwellings on Station Road, Melbourne in DERBYSHIRE (see page 30 for more details).

For more details on planning and development, contact Henry Sale on 01858 411217 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

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property showcase

Under the hammer

Discover what kind of property sells particularly well at auction, and the advantages for buyer and seller

Auctions

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n auction can be the ideal solution for selling a range of properties, including cottages and houses for renovation, small building sites, plots of land and barns with planning consent for conversion. There are no hard and fast rules regarding the kind of property that sells well at auction, but it does help if it’s special or individual and will therefore generate interest.

There are key advantages to vendors choosing to sell in this way.

The right property sold at the right time can often achieve a price that’s way in excess of a likely private treaty. The amount of adrenaline created in the auction room, especially when a property is in demand, can raise the bidding to the vendor’s benefit.

There are advantages for buyers, too. Prior to sale, the contract documentation, searches and pre-contract enquiries are prepared and made available to interested parties. “In auctions, everyone is working on a level playing field and there is fairness and openness. It also prevents gazumping or the purchaser equivalent,” says Paul Clayson of Fisher German. l

“The property sold for £210,000 more than the guide price”

Case study: Briary Lodge Farm Briary Lodge Farm, near the village of Lillingstone Lovell in Buckinghamshire, was recently sold at auction by Fisher German.

The property is an attractive small holding with Grade-II listed brick farmhouse, timber outbuildings and derelict greenhouses, set in 26.82 acres of gardens, woodland and paddocks. It once traded as Townsend Nurseries but the business closed some time ago. Despite being in a state of considerable disrepair, the two-bedroom farmhouse offered huge potential to be converted into a fine family home with stunning views over pristine, unspoilt countryside.

The property was sold at public auction, the sale price was £810,000 – which was £210,000 over the guide price. “This was a great achievement in what was a bear market at the time,” says Paul Clayson.

For more details of Fisher German auctions, contact Paul Clayson on 01295 226285 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 19

feature | renewable energy

on fertile ground

The conversion of farm waste products into renewable energy is presenting farmers with the chance to generate extra revenue in a sustainable way

M

ajor business opportunities in sustainable development are about to open up for farmers and landowners – and now is the time to start planning to make the most of them. That’s the advice from renewable energy expert, Stephen Rice of Fisher German, who says that recent Government guidance on planning and climate change has created a win-win situation for farmers looking to use their land in new ways. Now, they can use their farm’s waste products to fuel

20 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

renewable energy plants, that can in turn power eco-friendly residential or commercial developments on or adjacent to their land.

The Planning and Climate Change (Statement) issued by the Government in December, supplements its Planning Policy Statement 1, and deals with the need to provide more housing, but at the same time minimising emissions from new developments. It is also a step towards the requirement to increase the proportion of UK energy coming from renewable sources in the UK. Under the guidance, renewable

energy and local community energy schemes built alongside new housing projects would reduce the carbon emissions from those schemes.

The Statement also specifies that regional planning bodies should: “Provide a framework to focus substantial, new development on locations with good accessibility, and where energy can be gained from decentralised energy supply systems.”

It adds: “Planning authorities should have an evidence-based understanding of the local feasibility and potential for renewable and low carbon technologies, including microgeneration, to supply new development in their area.”

Huge opportunity “That”, says Stephen, “opens up a huge opportunity for farmers.” Now, businesses can plan to diversify by developing part of their land – as long as they include sources of renewable energy. Those sources could include wind turbines, solar panels or ground source heat pumps. Biogas power plants are highly suitable as they turn waste products such as slurry or manure into energy, and are ideal solutions for large livestock farms.

He continues: “This technology is likely to become extremely important in the generation of renewable heat and power within the UK. Farmers who have either a readily available source of slurry or manure – waste products from the food processing industry, or crops grown specifically for anaerobic digestion, such as maize or grass silage – and are close to existing built-up areas are perfectly placed to develop biogas plants.”

Stephen says that biogas plants can provide combined heat and power (CHP) to existing developments or, better still, to new developments created on brown or green field sites, next to the landowners’ holding.

He says that it’s an ideal way for farmers to dispose of such waste products, more so because of limits on muck-spreading in order to minimise the effect of nitrates leaching into surrounding ground. Other renewable

energy solutions that are particularly relevant for farmers include biomass plants, that use renewable sources of energy such as short rotation coppice willow or myscanthus.

The onus is now on local planning authorities to set targets for the use of renewable energy in new developments, and make the use of such energy a priority in bringing forward development areas or sites.

Stephen thinks it will probably take between one to two years for the guidance to be incorporated into regional planning policies – but that farmers should be acting now to make sure their potential development sites are included in Local Development Frameworks (which are replacing the adopted Local Plans).

New guidance

Stephen also says the new guidance means landowners should be looking again at potential development sites that may have been passed over previously because they did not comply with planning policy. “It’s now worth Stephen Rice, renewables expert, Fisher German talking to developers

“New guidance means that landowners should look again at potential development sites”

to discuss the potential to bring these development sites forward on the back of a renewable energy supply provided by the rural landowner.”

“The UK is lagging behind its European neighbours, especially Holland, Denmark and Germany, when it comes to localised microgeneration of energy. The technology exists and has been proven to be economically viable – and it appears that the UK government is now prepared to accept that such sources are not only economically viable, but should also form a fundamental part of the planning system.”

Stephen adds: “The ability to take a waste product, such as food waste, green waste or indeed animal waste products, and turn it by way of an anaerobic digester into heat and power, seems like an extremely sustainable way to deal with a waste product that would otherwise be dumped in landfill.”

“This will also ensure that the properties supplied with this facility are developed on a carbon neutral basis. With Fisher German’s expertise in renewable energy and specialist planning we are best placed to advise landowners and developers.” l

Looking to the future Why renewable energy is the way forward...

Joint managing partner at Fisher German, Henry Sale explains: “As an industry we have hardly touched the surface of the opportunities that renewable energy systems offer. What is becoming increasingly evident is that renewable energy systems involve a use of fundamentally simple techniques, but also the opportunity to derive income or reduction in costs previously unthought of.

“The reality of life is that it has been the increase in the price of fossil fuels that has made people consider these alternatives. But the interesting point that has come out of this is that the alternative systems are undoubtedly cheaper and more efficient than the carbon systems ever were.”

For more information on renewable energy contact Henry Sale on 01858 411217 or Stephen Rice on 01295 226297 Alternatively, visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 21

feature | utilities

ideas in the pipeline

Oil, gas and electricity networks are part of Britain’s industrial backbone and Fisher German plays a key role in their advancement

B

eing buried underground, the role pipelines play in Britain’s economy can sometimes be overlooked. But if one were to fail it would have a major effect on the UK economy.

Andrew Jackson, Fisher German’s head of utilities, acknowledges that making sure this doesn’t happen accounts for a large and growing part of the firm’s business. He comments: “If any one of the oil pipelines we look after were to fail we would have between one and three days’ supply of fuel at the main airports. After that they would grind to a halt. The pipelines are essential to making sure UK plc continues to operate.”

Andrew continues: “It’s our job to ensure that these lines continue to operate safely – that is what we do, and we take that duty very seriously.”

Fisher German is responsible for managing thousands of kilometres of UK pipelines and cables in the UK on behalf of oil, gas, water, electricity and other utilities businesses.

It’s now 26 years since the firm won its first deal in the sector, a £22,000 a year contract to manage a

stretch of oil pipeline. One surveyor handled the work, part-time. Today, its expanding utilities team has more than 50 members and serves virtually all the major oil and gas transmission companies, as well as electricity, water and other service businesses.

Safety conscious While its growth is impressive, Andrew Jackson says its foremost concern has stayed constant – safety.

“We have achieved good growth in this sector but the foremost objective of this business is still about making sure that our clients’ operations are safe,” he says.

About half of the department’s workload centres around managing existing pipelines and cables, making sure that they are not damaged by third parties and raising awareness of best practice when working close to underground utilities. Repair work and installation of new pipelines and cables are also core to the business.

The team advises on issues from routing the pipelines and survey work through to archaeological excavations,

“We are trying to expand and improve the service we deliver to our clients by staying ahead of the latest developments” Andrew Jackson, Fisher German head of utilities

22 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

and finally the physical installation or repair work.

Clients include the Oil and Pipelines Agency, for whom the company looks after the Government Pipeline Storage System, as well as the National Grid, Shell, BP, Total, Thames Water, E.ON, Scottish Power, Southern Gas Networks, South Staffordshire Water, Anglian Water, numerous wind farm companies and British Waterways.

As well as building an impressive roster of clients in well-established industries, the team is also wellversed in emerging technologies.

Partner Andrew Bridge, based in

office in Knutsford, free to concentrate on developing the matter of pushing the business forward.

Fast evolving

For more information on utilities please contact Andrew Bridge on 01530 410828 or pay a visit to www.fishergerman.co.uk

the company’s Ashby de la Zouch office, says: “As well as long-term maintenance contracts we also look after one-off projects. For example, we’ve worked on fibreoptic cable projects, and also handled schemes where we route the cable from wind farms in order to get energy back into the National Grid.”

As the department took on more clients over the years, its staff found that they were spending more time handling third-party communications about pipelines, such as enquiries from people looking to find out whether their development or roadworks plans cut across a pipeline

route. That led in 2003 to the launch of Linesearch.org, where information can be researched online. Twenty utilities companies including, most recently, National Grid, are now signed up to the service, which gets over 45,000 enquiries a month, and recently clocked up its millionth query.

Sister website, Linewatch.co.uk, raises awareness and best practice for the pipelines that lie underground, and how developers should take them into account when planning work.

That leaves the growing team in the Fisher German offices in Southampton and Ashby de la Zouch and the Fisher German Priestner

Today this fast evolving sector faces new and different challenges. “In the past”, says Andrew Bridge, “it may have taken a year to get the correct steelwork on a new pipeline contract in place. Now, the major hold-ups are more likely to be down to environmental factors, such as when protected species of animal are thought to be in an area that a pipeline is projected to cross. There may be certain times of year when you can’t even check if they are there because they might be asleep. The sector has completely changed now.”

In future, the company expects to see more and different types of utilities put underground. Andrew Bridge says that as roads become ever more congested there will be more demand for pipelines to take liquids and gases underground. He says: “With roads getting busy and congested, trying to move things by tanker is only going to get more difficult. Using pipes will reduce the requirement to use the roads.”

There are also, he points out, disused underground pipes for which new uses could now be found. Old fuel lines could, for example, be used to transport oxygen or hydrogen instead. A new and growing area of the market is in carbon capture, which involves piping carbon dioxide into the underground chambers left empty by the removal of natural gas and oil – just one of a number of issues that Andrew Jackson researched on a recent study trip to the United States.

Andrew says: “It gave us a lot of information about how we can improve our service, get information out to people who need it and improve what we do across the UK.” He continues: “I think it shows that we are trying to expand and continually improve the service we deliver to our clients, by staying ahead of the latest developments.” l Fisher GERMAN Magazine 23

family planning Joint ventures and other flexible schemes can enable farmers to keep their assets in the family even if the next generation pursues another career

F

or farmers retiring today, it’s a fair bet that they won’t be handing over the baton to the next generation of their own families. According to figures from the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the average age of UK farmers is now approaching 60. The number of young farmers is at an all-time low with just three per cent aged 35 or under.

For three-in-five farmers, retirement is not far away and this is slowly but surely changing the face of farming. Labour market statistics show that since 1990 the number of farmers and other people involved in running family businesses has fallen by 23 per cent.

In the same period, the number of paid farm workers fell by 47 per cent.

If your children do not wish to carry on farming, selling is not the only option

24 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

feature | succession planning Today, young people are much less likely to choose to make their living in the farming industry.

James Goodson, farming consultant in Fisher German’s Market Harborough office, says: “When I went to college there were 13 people on my course, many from farming families. Only two of them are still farming full-time. As soon as people in their twenties have the responsibility of families they have to think about how they are going to look after that family.”

He adds: “I know many sons and daughters of farmers who have left the family farm to follow different careers.

This can be a difficult time. The one who is leaving feels torn between a sense of loyalty and their own plans for their life.

The one who is left running the farm may feel lost, without a clear plan to take the business forward.”

If the next generation does not want to take on the farm, selling is not the only option. Some may choose that path, others may consider restructuring the farm business so that they keep the asset in the family, while also making an income from it. They have the option to do this without the burden of running the farm full-time.

For example, they could set up a joint venture arrangement with their farming neighbour, or contract out the management of the farm. There are a number of variations on a joint venture that can be set up to suit individual circumstances. Flexible farming arrangements can also be put in place for those who want to carry on farming, but

who also want to reduce their day-to-day generations. You are continuing to retain involvement. These options can work the value of the business but at the same well and profitably, as long as the right time you are freeing your own time to partner is found. go and do something else. That might be The right solution will also reflect working for the person farming the land, the way that the business was set up or doing something totally different.” originally; there is a lot more freedom for He says setting up a joint venture business owners than for tenants, and with a neighbour should be a positive the latter must be careful not to breach move, but warns: “Farmers who are their lease. thinking of selling machinery, selling Whatever course the business livestock, expanding the business, takes, proper advice should be taken becoming involved with a neighbour in because it is important to understand a joint venture type arrangement or the full implications and avoid potential future problems with inheritance tax and capital gains tax.

James says: “When it comes to the business James Goodson, Fisher German Farm Consultancy that you’ve spent a lifetime building, it is far better to take good, professional selling the farm lock, stock and barrel advice to help sort out your affairs. This should take good, professional advice. I could ensure that the business continues have witnessed farms that haven’t, and successfully, rather than receiving they have never been able to recover.” an unexpected demand from the tax If, on the other hand, you are man that could potentially cripple it looking to expand the farm, it is well financially.” worth sending your local land agents “With good advice”, he comments, information about you and your farm and “such tax problems could be avoided telling them you are interested in any altogether, or the liability vastly reduced. opportunities that come up, says James.

The ideal scenario would see plans “That alerts agents and farm consultants for the long-term future put into place that you are looking, and puts you in a throughout the life of the business rather good position to tender if land becomes than at the last minute.” available. If an opportunity does come James continues: “Entering into up, make sure your tender is professional one of these arrangements is a way of and shows your commitment to your keeping the core business for future farm and its future.” l

“Farmers can contract out the running of the farm or go into business with a neighbour”

Farm consultancy

Planning for the future of your farm The farming industry is always changing but Fisher German, with more than 160 years of experience, remains a touchstone for its clients. Its dedicated team of farm consultants can help and advise as clients plan for the future, whether by taking on the day-to-day management or financial monitoring, carrying out farm appraisals and reviews, helping farmers look into diversification, or moving into organic conversion schemes.

For more information contact Richard Sanders, David Gibb or James Goodson on 01858 410200 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 25

Visits to the hall and gardens can be made by appointment

feature | estate business

A thoroughly modern estate

Tissington

Discover how successful management has catapulted this fascinating and historic estate firmly into the 21st century

W

ith its duck pond, church, clutch of cottages and ancestral hall, Tissington in Derbyshire is the epitome of a perfect English village.

However, keeping this jewel shining requires 21st-century business sense, as well as support from estate specialists, Fisher German.

Tissington is rare in that one family still owns almost the entire village. The FitzHerberts first took up residence in 1465 and the family built the present hall in 1609.

Sir Richard FitzHerbert inherited the estate from his uncle, Sir John, in 1989 when he was just 24. He turned to agents Fisher German for support.

It was a relationship that was already well established as Sir John had Derbyshire’s well dressing tradition flourishes at Tissington

26 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

been a chartered surveyor with John German, the company that went on to become Fisher German.

David Merton, a partner at the Ashby office, became involved at Tissington in 1992. “Sir Richard was very keen to keep the estate in the family,” says David. “He realised that all the estate’s assets would have to be used for it to continue to be a success.”

New ventures When Sir Richard took over the estate, 70 per cent of its income came from farm rents, with the remainder from cottage rents. A combination of poor returns in agriculture and a policy of estate regeneration have meant that farm rents now account for just 30 per cent of income.

“The village is now thriving with a teashop, butcher’s shop, kindergarten, plant nursery and craft workshops,” says David. “Tissington receives more than 100,000 visitors a year, with many coming to see the traditional spring well dressings. Farms and family homes still play a vital role in the life of the estate, with eight farms and 54 residential properties.”

Getting the 1980-acre estate to where it is now has taken an investment of more than £3.5 million since 1989, with less than three per cent of this coming from grants. Some of that investment has been on the hall, which has been re-roofed. As well as being a family home, it is now a venue for weddings and corporate events, and a tourist attraction.

Fisher German is key to the success of the estate. David or his colleagues conduct weekly

“Fisher German acts as an ideal buffer between landlord and tenant, providing solutions” Sir Richard FitzHerbert

management meetings with Sir Richard at the estate. They discuss maintenance issues as well as long-term business strategies. “The estate only employs one maintenance worker, so we often arrange for contractors to work on the hall, cottages or farms,” says David. Fisher German also liaises with tenants, addressing any issues they may have, as well as providing financial management and services for the estate. This day-to-day management allows Sir Richard to concentrate on developing commercial opportunities.

“It was clear soon after I inherited Tissington that running it would be a full-time job,” says Sir Richard. “We had to take a modern business-like approach to the estate’s wasting assets. That has only been achievable with Fisher German.”

The development of businesses at Tissington is an example of this approach.

Only the tearoom enterprise is run inhouse by the estate, the rest are operated by tenants, providing local employment.

“We try to find perhaps more unusual businesses to fit in with the style and spirit of the village. We are hoping that a clock

Tissington is near Ashbourne in Derbyshire. For more details, see www.tissington-hall.com. To book events or visits call 01335 352200 or email tisshall@dircon.co.uk

Tissington Hall is early 17th century

restorer will soon take up one of the buildings,” says Sir Richard.

The businesses and the estate have joined together to form the Tissington Business Group. It conducts joint marketing campaigns, including the distribution of 60,000 leaflets a year, highlighting what Tissington offers.

A key to running the estate is the relationship with tenants. Sir Richard says that there have only been a couple of problems with tenants in his time, many of whom have lived there for decades: “Fisher German acts as the ideal buffer between landlord and tenant. They conduct negotiations and find solutions to problems.” The estate’s success was recognised in 2006 when the Royal Agricultural Society of England awarded its Bledisloe Gold Medal for outstanding land and estate management. l

For more information on estate business contact David Merton on 01530 410806 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 27

servicesDirectory

about us Fisher German is a firm of chartered surveyors and specialist property consultants serving clients countrywide. The team specialises in the sale and letting of rural properties, including country houses and cottages, farms and land, barns and development sites and equestrian properties.

Although its roots are in the rural property sector, the company now offers a range of services in the residential and commercial sectors and beyond.

The following pages show a selection of these services and how they can help you or your business.

l The Equestrian team, led by Robert Russell (left) share a joke

28 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

The full range of services includes ➔

➔ ➔ ➔

➔ ➔ ➔ ➔

➔ ➔ ➔

➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔

Agricultural and development property sales Building consultancy Canal and waterways Electricity and telecommunication cables Equestrian property sales Farm consultancy Pipelines and utilities Planning and development Professional services Property sales by auctions Renewable energy consultancy Residential property sales Rural estate business Sporting Telecommunications Utilities Valuations Wind farms

A complete range of services for all our clients’ needs

Q. Why is Fisher German the right choice for anyone marketing a property with equestrian facilities?

A. Fisher German has a dedicated team of property and equestrian experts all of whom have in-depth knowledge of the market and the Midlands. Clients have the added bonus of being able to call on the planning, estate management and building survey services that Fisher German offers, if necessary.

For a house with 100 acres, this is more of a specialist market, so demand is less, but again it is steady and offers good value. Paddocks are in demand and are commanding high prices (at auction recently, Fisher German achieved between £10,000 and £14,000 per acre for a parcel of paddocks).

Racing establishments in the Midlands are in small demand, but DIY livery yards are currently sought after and hence prices are good.

Q. How do you market equine properties?

A. We know that selling equestrian properties

Q. What kind of equestrian establishments do you work with?

A. We work with the owners

equestrian Robert Russell, head of equestrian sales, explains why the firm is the right choice to market such properties

“Equestrian properties for sale should be showcased in targeted publications” requires a different approach to standard residential property. In order to showcase an equine property to the appropriate market it must be advertised in targeted publications that suit the property, locally, regionally or nationally.

Properties are also promoted on the dedicated equestrian property sale section of Fisher German’s website, www.fishergerman.co.uk.

Q. What is the market like for equestrian properties at the moment?

A. For a house with five to 20 acres, the market is in general good and steady and represents value for money.

Quarry Farm House, Hornton, Oxfordshire, is a property with equestrian potential

of racing stables, breeding yards, DIY yards, houses with land, land with stables and paddocks.

Q. How does Fisher German help its equestrian clients add value to property?

A. We look at all aspects of equine property – presentation, planning, surveys, agricultural schemes, and other listed property matters.

Q. What are the key concerns for buyers of equestrian properties?

A. The location of the property is the priority.

Other considerations include good local riding, the layout and topography of the land, and finally the property itself.

Q. How do you help new owners of these properties?

A. We do this by reviewing their property assets, then advising and making suggestions on how they can add value. For instance, if the property is near to a motorway, installing a

telecom tower could yield a rent of £4000 to £5000 per annum. If there are old farm buildings these could be used for caravan storage. We also advise on planning and agricultural management.

Q. Can you give an example of how you have helped an equestrian establishment add value?

A. In 2007, we sold Quarry Farm House, Hornton,

Oxfordshire, as a ‘doer upper’ with five acres. The buyer sought our advice, which was to use an architect/ planner, and by doing so achieved a fantastic consent. We managed the house clearance, some replastering and demolition of outbuildings. Fisher German has been asked to market the property again. The guide price in 2007 was £575,000; it is now £850,000.

Equestrian

Robert Russell telephone 01295 226284 robert.russell@fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 29

ServicesDirectory

planning & development Kay Davies, head of planning, explains the work her department excels in The planning team at Fisher German offers a full range of planning services. These can range from assisting with a controversial extension, to securing large-scale housing developments, farm diversification to building a new gas pipeline.

The team operates closely with colleagues in building, surveying and architecture; also development surveyors and property/estate sales.

While the core of our business is in the Midlands, we work with clients nationally, from Kent and Anglesey to Lincolnshire and the Scottish Borders.

The team can offer the following services: l Development site appraisals l Planning applications l Planning appeals l Legal agreements l Environmental impact assessment and specialist consultants l Listed building and conservation area applications l Enforcement advice l Promotion of sites through the development plan process l Advice on option/ promotion agreements

“We offer nationwide cover from Kent and Anglesey to Lincolnshire and Scotland”

Case Study 1

Bagots Bromley Farm, Staffordshire A client wished to release capital by converting a traditional range of buildings into residential homes. East Staffordshire Borough Council required justification as to why commercial and tourism uses were not viable in preference to residential. A detailed assessment of the market was carried out. However, the application was refused on the grounds that a marketing exercise had not been

carried out, as it should be for a year.

Fisher German undertook a marketing campaign for three months, deeming this sufficient, and appealed the decision. The Inspector accepted that the marketing exercise was sufficient and that residential was the only viable use of the buildings. Planning permission was granted, setting a precedent for future conversions in the area.

130 dwellings Station Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire On the edge of Melbourne, land within the client’s ownership had been allocated for employment development in the Local Plan, with a subsequent outline planning consent granted for business use. It became clear that this use was unlikely to come forward due to the development of more commercially attractive sites in the area, and the land was promoted by Fisher German’s planning team for housing development through the development plan. The site was recommended for housing allocation by the Inspector.

However, due to a high court challenge the plan could not be formally adopted. Following legal advice and positive

Case Study 2

discussions with the council, an application was submitted for housing development.

This was permitted subject to a legal agreement detailing contributions to education, healthcare, open space and affordable housing. The development of the whole site was also tied to the erection of an acoustic building around an adjacent scrap yard to reduce noise levels for future residents.

Fisher German secured the permission required.

The planning team project managed landscape, noise, contamination, hydrology, archaeology, ecology and highways consultants, and produced the overall masterplan for the scheme.

Planning and Development

Kay Davies telephone 01530 410824 kay.davies@fishergerman.co.uk

30 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

“Landowners have an ideal opportunity to review the terms and rental of their site” Mark Newton, Fisher German Telecoms Department

telecommunications

Fisher German is one of the UK’s leading specialists in telecommunication sites, acting solely on behalf of landowners Fisher German’s Telecoms department was set up 12 years ago

by Mark Newton, a partner in the Market Harborough office. It is now one of the largest telecoms departments in the industry, acting only for owners of rural and commercial property. The department has dealt with over 3000 telecoms sites throughout the UK – as far north as the Shetland Isles, and as far south as Cornwall.

When the telecoms market emerged, there was a period in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, when operators frantically built new telecom sites (in order to provide coverage across the UK). This was in line with their licence requirements, and to deal with the capacity issues encountered with the growing number of mobile phone users.

With a mature market now in place, telecoms companies build new sites less often. However, upgrading of sites is commonplace.

In recent times, there has been a relentless effort by the telecoms companies to save on costs due to a rise in market competition.

Since the operational costs of base stations are often one of the operator’s highest overheads, news has been released over the past year regarding the potential sharing of the operator’s infrastructure. Deals have l Fisher German telecoms in figures

3000

telecoms sites negotiated for the owners of all types of property

30

years of combined telecoms experience

8

telecoms specialists across six offices

One

of the largest UK property owners’ telecom site databases

been highlighted between ‘3’ and T-Mobile, Orange and Vodafone. To date, O2 does not appear to be pursuing this avenue.

Shared infrastructure

The culmination of these deals will ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of base stations in the UK, thereby producing costsavings through shared infrastructure for the operators. Mark Newton says: “This may result in up to 30 per cent of telecom sites across the country being decommissioned over the next few years.”

The first phase of work in T-Mobile’s and ‘3’s deal is currently being undertaken.

Landlords are beginning to be approached by their tenants requesting consent to assign their existing leases into the joint names

of T-Mobile and ‘3’. Mark continues: “Where consent is required there may also be the opportunity to negotiate either additional rent or a one-off incentive payment.

Subsequently, landlords should seek professional advice if approached.”

Due to the ever-changing telecoms market, Fisher German continues to deal with rent reviews, lease renewals, and removal of equipment. In order to assist these negotiations, Fisher German has developed an extensive database of comparable sites.

Finally, landowners should also be aware that many telecoms leases were negotiated during the late 1990s for a 10-year period and are due to be reviewed.

This gives landowners an ideal opportunity to review the terms of the site.

Telecommunications

Mark Newton telephone 01858 411215 mark.newton@fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 31

ServicesDirectory

Pipelines & waterways Andrew Bridge, of Fisher German, provides insight into the valuable work of this department

Fisher German’s pipeline and utilities team is a leading provider of specialist property-related project and management services for the pipeline and cable industries in the UK. Q. What services do you offer utility companies?

A. Since our involvement in the utilities industry in the 1980s the range of services we offer is aimed at providing clients with a single point of contact that takes a proposed scheme and makes it happen.

We are actively involved with routing, land parcel referencing, planning and landowner/occupier consent.

This is carried out in conjunction with organising the relevant surveys that are critical in assessing feasibility of a scheme. As a department, we place a high level of importance on maintaining the allimportant relationship between contractor/promoter and landowner.

Q. How large is the department and what skills do the staff possess?

A. We have 40 members of staff who deal with a range of projects from longterm pipeline and utility management contracts to one-off construction schemes. We benefit from an established team, having a wealth of experience within this sector of the business in conjunction with a training and graduate policy that allows growth from within.

Due to the diversity of the business we are able to utilise skill sets found within other departments to add value to our clients.

Q. Who are your clients?

A. They range from large multi-national organisations and Government departments to private landowners and individuals. Existing clients include National Grid, The Oil and Pipelines Agency, Esso, BT Geo, Wessex Water and South Staffordshire Water.

Q. Why should utility companies choose Fisher German?

A. Fisher German has a natural affinity for working in the rural environment borne out from our core business of estate management. With this natural empathy and understanding harnessed with the level of experience and skill gained, I believe Fisher German is ideally placed to work with the client.

Q. What innovations have you introduced in the industry?

A. Fisher German prides itself on its ability to utilise innovation, where feasible, to add value to the client in providing a more efficient service, saving costs or generating income. In conjunction with the bespoke utility databases that have been designed to provide cost effective and efficient services to retained clients, Fisher German launched utilities search facility www.linesearch.org in 2003.

The aim is to provide a single point of contact for all initial enquiries relating to the apparatus owned and/ or operated by our members.

See the News & Views section on page 6.

Utilities

Andrew Bridge telephone 01530 410828 andrew.bridge@fishergerman.co.uk

32 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

“We all need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and utilise renewable energy sources” Dan Harper, Fisher German Renewable Energy

Did you know?

Fisher German’s pipeline team is a leading provider of specialist propertyrelated and management services for the pipeline industry in the UK Canals and waterways What kind of waterways work does Fisher German specialise in?

We act for British Waterways assisting with managing surplus land, and negotiating and agreeing access and site compounds for the maintenance of the network of canals. We also act for the Environment Agency in negotiating agreements for positioning equipment associated with its flood prevention programme.

How has flooding affected your business?

The flooding last year had a significant effect on numerous sectors of Fisher German’s business from building surveying to farm management, and highlights the importance of the work we undertake on behalf of the Environment Agency.

As with utilities work, safety is critical and plays a major role in the management and project work we carry out. l

renewable energy Fisher German can help landowners to reduce their carbon footprint and develop new revenue streams Fisher German is at the forefront in offering independent advice on renewable energy to property owners and developers. The company employs nationallyrecognised renewable energy specialists, and advises clients on saving costs, reducing greenhouse gases, utilising waste and improving development opportunities.

Clients can take advantage of the following:

l Tax planning and financial management Fisher German specialists will model a proposed system to plan the financing of the installation. They will also estimate the annual return on an investment and the future payback period.

Advice on available capital allowance, grants and tax efficiency is included.

l A team of renewable energy specialists across the country Experts with invaluable local knowledge offer assistance.

l Planning and project management Whether the project is for a single wind turbine or is part of a multi-million pound property development, Fisher German’s specialist teams will guide the whole planning process. Once planning permission is secured the team will oversee the implementation of the project.

l Renewable energy audits Specialist teams assess either existing property or potential development assets, and advise on alternatives for renewable energy. This includes a review of the technical and financial implications of relevant technologies.

l Supply chain management Fisher German is privy to a quality contact network that includes farmers, woodland contractors, landowners and timber specialists. This creates a vital supply network for biomass and biofuels for renewable energy systems.

l Systems management With the use of heat and electricity meters, Fisher German can help with the creation and running of a heat and power management company for commercial or housing development.

Supply contacts will be managed, and customers billed for heating and power used. Financial reports and maintenance of the system will also be taken care of.

Dan Harper, a renewable energy expert at Fisher German, comments: “Renewable energy is the natural solution in achieving a more sustainable planet.

Whether it be wind, solar or biomass energy, they can all be harvested for ever.

Changes in lifestyles have resulted in unsustainable increases in energy usage.”

Dan says:“We all need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and use renewable energy sources. Landowners have an opportunity to diversify, develop new income and reduce their carbon footprint."

Renewable energy

Dan Harper telephone 01905 888324 dan.harper@fishergerman.co.uk

Fisher GERMAN Magazine 33

ServicesDirectory

experT witness

The role of this professional is invaluable in helping to settle disputes over land values, property and buildings An expert witness must comply with mandatory guidelines including guidance produced by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Civil Procedure Rules.

The neutrality of an expert is central to his or her role. The expert witness has an overriding duty to the court to provide independent, objective and unbiased evidence.

Those making an appointment must realise that it is not that of a ‘hired gun’. An expert witness should be able to be appointed by two or three different parties and the view expressed for each one should be the same, regardless of which side

Matters requiring the appointment of a chartered surveyor An appointment of an expert witness can cover all matters that might fall within the very wide areas of work.

Typically at Fisher German, this might include matters relating to rural and general property concerns such as land values, partnership dissolutions, divorce, boundary disputes and development land values.

For building surveying, this could cover any construction issues that might arise, for instance defects and faulty design.

More specialist areas would include disputes relating to capital and rental values for wind farms

“Appointments are often made by business partners making an amicable split” has made the appointment.

There does tend to be a band within which a range of views might be expressed.

To this end, it is quite common for the courts to require the appointment of a single joint expert, who then acts as the independent expert in expressing his or her view. This approach is common as it can help reach a satisfactory resolution more cheaply and quickly.

An expert witness’s evidence must contain a Statement of Truth and he or she will be required to put forward a fair assessment that may require acknowledgement of any points that can be fairly made against him or her.

34 Fisher GERMAN Magazine

and telecommunications apparatus. Fisher German also provides expert witnesses who may not be chartered surveyors but who have particular expertise in areas such as farm management, pipelines and utilities work.

Who needs an expert witness?

Appointments are often made by professionals, including lawyers and accountants to help them resolve disputes and would include providing expert

reports to parties involved in professional negligence claims.

Appointments are quite often made by business partners or owners wishing to achieve an amicable split of the business and where they need the independent expert witness views of the value of the business assets.

Who can be an expert witness?

An expert witness must have good experience working in their particular field. The level of knowledge should be above average and he or she will need the necessary skills to set out all the pros and cons relating to the points relating to the dispute. Mindful that they may be required to attend at court, they will also need to be able to handle dealing with evidence and crossexamination.

Settlement of disputes While the expert witness may be required to attend court, it is quite common that matters are settled before they arrive at court.

The courts normally require experts to meet and set out the areas that are agreed and the areas that cannot be agreed. Where agreement cannot be reached, the parties are required to set out the differences in their cases and the extent to which the parties are apart.

A skilled expert witness, can greatly assist in settling a dispute. l

Fisher German Magazine Summer issue 2008 | Issue 01 Published by Fisher German Ltd © Fisher German Ltd No material may be used in whole or part without the permission of the publisher The Fisher German magazine is intended to be an informative guide.

It should not be relied on as giving all the advice needed to make decisions.

Fisher German LLP has tried to ensure accuracy and cannot accept liability for any errors, fact or opinion.

Fisher German is a Limited Liability Partnership. Registered in England and Wales, Registered Number OC317554.

Registered office 40 High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7NX. Regulated by RIS

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Valuations/expert witness

John Pitts telephone 01530 410810 john.pitts@fishergerman.co.uk

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