Concern over compulsory purchase powers

Industry leaders have criticised plans to compulsorily purchase farmland at its agricultural value rather than recognising its potential for development.

The government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill was published last month. The NFU said it supported moves to get rid of the regulatory burden and speed up planning processes and applications to enable sustainable on-farm investment.

Financial pressure

But it said giving local authorities the power to acquire land through compulsory purchase without paying its ‘hope value’ needed to be considered carefully to “ensure all farmers are compensated fairly”.

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said farmers must be consulted in full every step of the way during the process.

“This Bill comes at a time when the UK farming industry is under immense financial pressure due to the loss of direct payments, extreme weather and the impacts of the family farm tax.”

“The housing minister told media that these new powers would be used to access brownfield and urban land, and that must be the case. Anything else further undermines the government’s policy that food security is national security.

“We appreciate there are huge demands being made on land for more housing and for critical national infrastructure. But UK food security and the protection of our environment has rarely been more vital.”

Missed opportunity

The Country Land and Business Association has criticised the bill, saying it missed an opportunity to improve the relationship between those losing property to compulsory purchase and the authorities acquiring it.

“To those unfamiliar with it, compulsory purchase is complex and intimidating,” said the CLA. “This can lead those affected to feel that powers are being used arbitrarily or maliciously.”

“The removal of hope value from home loss payments is concerning, although is likely to have a more considerable impact on those losing their home to urban regeneration projects.”

The CLA said it would push for the bill to include an enforceable code of practice on compulsory purchase.

Strutt & Parker appoint Kate Moisson as head of rural business

Farm consultants Strutt & Parker have appointed Kate Moisson (right)  as their new head of rural business.

The strategic leadership change comes at a pivotal time for the rural economy, as landowners and businesses navigate a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by legislative, environmental, and market pressures.

Inheritance tax

Challenges include the phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme, the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive and the ongoing battle between farm leaders and the government over inheritance tax.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Ms Moisson’s expertise spans rural property management, strategic estate planning and advising high net worth individuals across diverse asset classes.

Strutt & Parker chief executive Etienne Prongue said the future of rural businesses lay in building resilience and grounding operations in solid fundamentals while embracing new income streams from areas such as renewable energy and natural capital.

“These shifts require bold decision-making and innovative approaches, areas where Kate and her team will provide invaluable guidance to clients.”

Ms Moisson added: “I’ve seen how the rural sector has evolved and the incredible adaptability of our clients. Today, the pace of change is faster than ever, but so too are the opportunities.

“I am committed to helping our clients not only adapt to these shifts but thrive – building resilient businesses that are sustainable both financially and environmentally. I’m proud to lead a team with such deep expertise and passion.”