Decision details

The Committee considered the report on the findings, conclusions and considerations of the Farms Policy Advisory Group which formed the recommendations for adoption as policy in the management of the farms service and portfolio of assets for the next 5 years.

During consideration of the report, it was asked if all the farms the Council currently owned were let, and in response officers stated that that some farms and buildings were vacant, either awaiting sale or being held pending decisions. It was explained that over the past 10 years the Council had been rationalising the Farms estate by reducing the number of smaller, less viable farms and creating larger, more sustainable ones. Surplus buildings were often more expensive to repair and maintain than they were worth in income, so the Council had chosen to sell them rather than let them.

The Committee highlighted the importance of supporting new entrants into farming, especially those without the traditional farming background or family resources and the farms allowed tenants to gain experience, build capital, and eventually progress to their own or larger farms.

Reference was made to food security and the environmental benefits of localised food production and reducing the reliance on imported foods.

With regards to paragraph 4 of the proposed Farms Estate Policy, set out in Appendix 1 to the report, it was proposed and accepted that the third line be amended to read “…use, will be encouraged and considered for their appropriateness…”

RESOLVED (Unanimously): That the Committee

1               note the role and findings of the Farms Policy Member Advisory Group.

2               endorse the recommended proposed Farms Estate Policy (2026-2031), with the amendment to paragraph 4, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

3        note that the Policy is for a 5-year period and will be subject to further review, with any policy changes or update being reported to Cabinet.