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The Duchy, which spans approximately 51,800 hectares (128,000 acres) across 19 counties, intends to invest the £500 million generated from the sale of property and land over the next ten years into local communities, affordable housing, and environmental initiatives. This significant asset disposal plan has prompted concern among tenants, particularly farmers, who are facing uncertainty about their future livelihoods.
Mary Ryan, a former GP and local Liberal Democrat councillor residing near the Bradninch estate for over 35 years, expressed support for the farmers impacted by the proposed sales. She highlighted that several individuals were dealing with considerable mental and emotional distress due to the ongoing sell-off. While the Duchy reportedly issued an apology to tenants last month, Ryan criticized how the situation was managed, describing the overall handling as “pretty dire.”
Initially focused on the Bradninch area near Cullompton, the sales programme has expanded to include the Duloe Estate in Cornwall, as well as various individual landholdings in Cornwall, Herefordshire, and the Midlands, as reported by the Tenants’ Farmers Association (TFA). In response to concerns, Matthew Morris, the Duchy’s rural director, told the BBC that he is paying close attention to tenants’ feedback and providing support along with mental health advice during the process. Though he affirmed the Duchy’s continued commitment to agriculture, Morris conceded that there “may well be other disposals in the future.”
Regarding evictions, Morris emphasized that there are “no cliff edges here,” noting the Duchy’s efforts to work closely with each tenant to achieve mutually agreeable solutions. He explained that the primary focus is on selling land to the existing farmers, aiming to preserve continuity. He remarked, “For many of our farmers, it’s a generational aspiration to own their farm,” sharing that some tenants had expressed enthusiasm about finally having the opportunity to purchase land their families had long hoped to own. He acknowledged the challenges of this transition but underscored his commitment to navigating them as effectively as possible.
The Duchy, founded in 1337, currently manages around 700 agricultural lettings. These include approximately 300 whole farm holdings consisting of farmhouses, land, and buildings. Tenancy agreements vary, including both fixed terms and lifelong contracts, some with provisions allowing the tenancy to pass down through families.
George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenants’ Farmers Association, described ongoing “deep discussions” with the Duchy and criticized the poor communication that has caused extended uncertainty for tenants around property valuations, timelines, and available options. Dunn told the BBC, “Once a family is told that its long-term relationship with the Duchy may change permanently, that uncertainty lives with them 24/7.” He acknowledged the Duchy’s commitment to ensuring no tenant becomes homeless but stressed that some farmers may neither be willing nor able to purchase their farms. For those individuals, he stated that fair alternative solutions must be found.
A Duchy spokeswoman responded by emphasizing that direct engagement with tenants is underway, with support provided throughout the process in a manner that is “careful and respectful.” She added, “We recognise that each of our tenant’s circumstances are different, and we are taking a careful, case-by-case approach” to manage the transition sensitively
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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