Letting Procedure
Holdings become vacant as tenants move on to larger farms,
retire or their term of years expire. Since 1984, New lettings
have incorporated a retirement clause requiring the tenant to
retire upon the age of 65 and following the introduction of
the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, new lettings will usually be
for a predetermined length. Tenancies dating from before 1984
enable the tenant to continue for the whole of their lifetime
should he so wish. But it should be noted that Council Farms are
provided as a gateway into the industry and it is hoped that all
successful applicants will continue to seek opportunities to move
onto larger farms within the private sector.
When a holding becomes vacant it is advertised in the National
Farming press and at least one local newspaper. Those interested,
are asked to apply for particulars (usually for a small fee) and
attend a viewing day when all potential applicants can walk the
farm, view the facilities and discuss any matters which they may
wish to raise with the Land Agent.
Selection Procedure
Interested applicants have to submit an initial application
which must include practical, financial and environmental
management proposals from which a shortlist will be selected.
Short-listed applicants will be visited at their place of work and
those on the final shortlist will be invited to an interview.
The interviewing panel may comprise a mix of officers and or
members of the Council and a decision upon the appointment is
usually made during the course of the interview day.
Selection Criteria for Candidates
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be able to
demonstrate that they can fulfil the following conditions:-
- Have at least five years practical experience of farming of
which up to three years of approved further education or training
can be included.
- Holdings are only available to persons who are prepared to farm
them personally, and where houses are provided the tenant is
required to reside on the holding.
- Tenants should not normally engage in any form of business
other than agriculture, unless the holding is referred to as a part
time holding within the letting particulars, although ancillary
complimentary activities will be considered and encouraged in
suitable cases, based upon their merits.
- Preference is always given when selecting tenants to applicants
who can demonstrate that they have the most suitable practical and
theoretical knowledge required for the type of farming most suited
to the available holding.
- Prospective tenants must be able to show that they have
sufficient capital to enter a holding and work it. This can be
quite substantial where an incoming tenant may be required to
pay for the outgoing tenant's fixtures and fittings, single
farm payment, live and dead stock, sufficient to properly farm the
holding.
Further Information
If you wish to discuss the opportunities available on
Cheshire Farms Estate, please submit your enquiries either in
writing to the Cheshire Farms Service, Richard House, 80 Lower
Bridge Street, Chester, by telephone to Mr D R
Job County Land Agent on (01244) 972569 or by email
to cheshirefarms@cheshireeast.gov.uk
