Option Agreements

Advice in respect of option agreements. Dealing from the outset of negotiations to agreeing favourable terms and drafting option agreements. Together with ancillary advice concerning pre-emption agreements; taxation; valuation and ransom issues in connection with Stokes v Cambridge; drafting development clawback clauses; and advice in respect of restrictive covenants preventing development.

Planning

Advice in respect of planning matters generally within an agricultural context, including obtaining planning permissions, appealing against refusal of planning consent and enforcement appeals, together with applications for certificates of lawfulness.

Alternative Land Use

Advising on all aspects of change of use from agricultural uses including barn conversions; housing developments; light industrial; residential; and short term uses of agricultural land for non agricultural purposes.

Compulsory Purchase

Advice in respect of statutory powers and the relevant legislation; on compulsory purchase notices issued by the relevant Local Authority; appeals to the Secretary of State; Notices to Treat; and transmission of land to Local Authorities.

Consortium Agreements

Consortium and Equalisation Agreements occurring generally in conjunction with Option Agreements, whereby a number of adjoining landowners give a common approval to deal with offers made by developers and regulate a fair distribution of the proceeds of such development among the various neighbouring landowners.