Applying for a council farm

[Rich EJ]

Hi,
Newbie here. So the farm where I keep.my horse is coming up for tender, since the last tenant passed away. I have been managing the place voluntary for the last 2 years. It's 35 acres, with 16 loose boxes and a run down house.
My question is, do you think I would have any chance of getting the tenancy with having no agricultural experience? I have used contractors to manage the land thus far.
If I were to put a tender in, what is the average price per acre of land, it's grade 3 grass.
And any other tips to add in to my application.
Thank you

 

[chaffcutter]

Is there a house included? Seems that Councils are looking at the rent for the house being competitive locally with the rent for the land on top, makes it look expensive.

If you have been in charge for some time already you've got your foot in the door there, are the council agents aware of this situation?

you need to get a budget down on paper to work out what you can afford to pay for it.

 

[Rich EJ]

Thanks Chafcutter,
Yes, he is aware and said that I would have an advantage as I know the business but don't know if he was just being nice

 

[JCMaloney]

I would be asking whereabouts you are as some councils are looking at off loading farms especially those that can benefit from development and attract a premium value.

 

[Still Farming]

Council farm and Horses ?
This was s big no no down this way!
Do you know your local County Councillor go and see them .

 

[multi power]

Any council farms I've seen you must have something like 5 years agricultural experience, however if this is a equine holding and you have a horse you obviously have some experience

 

[Gormers]

Surprised council not selling house & buildings.
Then let land separately
Wonder if access to land is one way through farmyard

 

[Rich EJ]

The council wanted to make another 10-15 year tenancy with the previous tenants daughter but she's not interested in taking it on. Currently land classed as green belt but in the wider plan to build on one day as open ended avenues onto land.
I've got 30+ years experience with horses

 

[Flat 10]

Do a thorough business plan and work out what you can afford, show this to the agent. Also do you know what previous tenant was paying?

 

[Rich EJ]

When I asked how much it was going to cost me, she said 2k a year was what she paid. Her family have had the farm for many years though. She will give me the accounts to prepare a business plan

 

[Still Farming]

Always someone( possibly on here too so watch what you say), offer higher.
Then when got it around here with this Council ,plead poverty and say can't cope and go "cap in hand" to Council to get a reduction.
Then when Council sold off the "crown jewels " small holdings they bought them for a "song" as sitting tenants.
Stayed there for a while then cashed in mega bucks all detrimental to the Tax payers ?

 

[Rich EJ]

Thanks for the advice, still farming

 

[Flat 10]

When I asked how much it was going to cost me, she said 2k a year was what she paid. Her family have had the farm for many years though. She will give me the accounts to prepare a business plan

Are you sure you don’t mean 12k?! Just how run down is the house and whose responsibility is maintainence

 

[Rich EJ]

No definitely 2. The house is full of damp and woodworm. They've always been lay low and don't bother the council for repairs

 

[Flat 10]

No definitely 2. The house is full of damp and woodworm. They've always been lay low and don't bother the council for repairs

Well offer them 2.5.... sounds reasonable to me

 

[Still Farming]

How much is a Council or Social housing home rent a year in that area by comparison?

 

[kill]

Hi,
Newbie here. So the farm where I keep.my horse is coming up for tender, since the last tenant passed away. I have been managing the place voluntary for the last 2 years. It's 35 acres, with 16 loose boxes and a run down house.
My question is, do you think I would have any chance of getting the tenancy with having no agricultural experience? I have used contractors to manage the land thus far.
If I were to put a tender in, what is the average price per acre of land, it's grade 3 grass.
And any other tips to add in to my application.
Thank you

Have a go as if don't try then you won't win if that's what you'd like to do.

 

[Rich EJ]

How much is a Council or Social housing home rent a year in that area by comparison?

Double that

 

[neilo]

No definitely 2. The house is full of damp and woodworm. They've always been lay low and don't bother the council for repairs

They won’t be legally allowed to rent it out in that condition, certainly not on a new tenancy. They will either look to sell it off, or spend a significant sum getting up to spec, which they will need to recover in rent.

 

[Still Farming]

They won’t be legally allowed to rent it out in that condition, certainly not on a new tenancy. They will either look to sell it off, or spend a significant sum getting up to spec, which they will need to recover in rent.

Did same around here but with a council house.
Same women lived there 70 yrs all ok and always stuff done to it free by council when ones that bought adjoining had big bills anyhow women died then council gutted it clad outside energy efficient products.
Then new "wise" social housing" so called" single women and kids move in ,sublet friend in also?, then complained damp mould, they then re house her temp council house down the road and associated costs ,now after months nearly a year she has moved back in.
The cost to the tax payer is crazy but social services, council etc etc "dance to their tunes".
You never know what The Council will do so don't take anything for granted untill your in?