Fisher German magazine issue 14 Summer 2015

fisher german Summer 2015 | Issue 14

www.fishergerman.co.uk

Adam Henson: farming first The Countryfile presenter and owner of Cotswold Farm Park talks about his life away from the media spotlight

Small plot, big step

An important precedent is set for converting derelict plots into residential properties p12

Underground activity

How our experts are helping fight the criminals targeting the UK’s fuel pipelines p14

Giraffe house ingenuity The first fruits of a 20-year development plan for Twycross Zoo p16

Welcome

So we now know we have at least five years of a Conservative government, but no one knows exactly what kind of impact that will have on the rural economy.

We have a personal take on potential scenarios from Fisher German consultant and political intelligence expert Harry Cotterell (see page 10), while our sector heads consider their particular areas in more depth in Sector Andrew Jackson, insight (see page 32). managing partner Elsewhere, Fisher German’s people have been instrumental in helping individuals and business flourish in their countryside endeavours. Associate Angela Cornell helped a small development in rural Derbyshire set an important precedent for anyone wishing to convert derelict plots of land and buildings into residential properties (see page 12), while local partner Tom Heathcote has been working with a family estate in Leicestershire which is trialling a revolutionary sustainable land management programme (see page 20).

Overall, it’s been another successful financial year for Fisher German as our diverse range of services continues to satisfy clients existing and new. With our new office in Bedford, we now have over 350 people ready to offer you this full range of services.

Onwards and upwards!

Underground activity

How the vast network of fuel pipelines that powers the UK is facing a criminal threat.

14 Giving back to the land

The sustainable land management programme being trialled by a family estate.

20 From cottages to quarries

Our agency business continues to grow at an exciting pace, with even greater diversity in its sales.

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Natural burials

An opportunity for landowners to diversify their estate – even within the Green Belt.

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The Fisher German Magazine is intended to be an informative guide. It should not be relied on as giving all the advice needed to make decisions.

Fisher German LLP has tried to ensure accuracy and cannot accept liability for any errors, fact or opinion. If you no longer wish to receive the Fisher German magazine or any other Fisher German marketing material, please call 0800 1075522 or email marketing@fishergerman.co.uk.

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News & views

Adam Henson: profile

Agri facts and Agency facts; bumper business rates savings; Watford Gap wind turbine; rural property awards.

At home on the farm and out of the media spotlight with the Countryfile presenter.

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06 What now for the rural economy?

Home and dry in Derbyshire

Fisher German consultant Harry Cotterell on what impact the new government will have.

10 Animal kingdom

How Fisher German helped a small development set an important precedent for rural conversions.

12 Heritage for the future

The new giraffe facility and gibbon complex are just the beginning for a redeveloped Twycross Zoo.

Why it pays to seek the right advice when improving a heritage property.

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18 The business of buildings

Rebirth for renewables

In the second part of our investment feature, we focus on commercial property.

What does the recent slump in oil prices mean for the renewable energy industry?

22 Partner spotlight

Sector directory

Helena Tibbitts’ working week is a whirl of visits, valuations and more – but she likes it that way.

Contact details for Fisher German’s national offices.

31 Publishing services provided

by Grist, 21 Noel Street, Soho, London W1F 8GP

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Publisher Andrew Rogerson; Editor Sam Campbell; Art director Andrew Beswick; Telephone +44 (0)20 7434 1445 Website www.gristonline.com

34 Please remove cover before recycling this magazine

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news&views

Agencyfacts The latest property-related statistical info and market facts*

Entries open for first ever Rural Business Awards New event will celebrate and recognise businesses operating nationwide across the rural sector

226,000 homes could be built on brownfield land across the UK by 2019. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) report Making More Brownfield Land Available for Housing says collaboration across both public and private sectors to lower barriers and streamline the housing delivery process is vital if the target is to be met.

Nil % 2.5 % 19.5 % 4.7

change nationally in the level of buyer enquiries and house sales in the first quarter of 2015. Figures have flatlined, in part due to uncertainty caused by the general election.

increase in house prices is expected over the next year. A fall in the number of properties coming on to the market has pushed prices rapidly upwards. residential properties are sold monthly by the average UK surveyor.

annual growth in residential rental levels is anticipated as demand for rental properties across the country continues to outstrip supply.

*RICS Residential Market Survey – March 2015

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The awards ceremony will be held at Stapleford Park, Leicestershire

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he Rural Business Awards 2015 are the first of their kind to be truly dedicated to rural businesses nationally. Supported by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), with director general Helen Woolley on the judging panel, the awards will showcase the best of British rural entrepreneurship, expertise and talent.

Entries are encouraged from any kind of rural operation, large or small, and a wide variety of award categories ensure that many businesses will be able to apply for more than one award if they wish to do so. Entries close on 7 August and the awards will be presented at a gala evening on 1 October at Stapleford Park, Leicestershire.

Fisher German is pleased to be sponsoring two award categories – best renewable energy project and outstanding farm diversification project – and will be presenting the prizes at the gala ceremony. Fisher German partner David Merton says: “We are thrilled by the interest the Rural Business Awards has generated, but we are

David Merton

aware that many other outstanding rural enterprises are eligible to enter.

They are often run by remarkable people and their hard work deserves to be recognised on a national stage, so we are encouraging all of those who wish to come forward for these inaugural awards.”

Awards entrants should apply directly at www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk Please contact David Merton on 01530 410806 or email david.merton@fishergerman.co.uk

Watford Gap wind turbine powers up

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andowners are benefitting from siting renewable energy sources on their land. One of the most recent wind turbine installations was a 500kW Enercon E-53 sited opposite Watford Gap motorway services in Northamptonshire.

Fisher German project managed the scheme and knocked an impressive 80 per cent off the construction bill for a

new access road to the A5. “We were able to secure planning consent in an area where several similar applications had been refused,” reports Rebecca Seaman, Fisher German partner.

For advice on renewable energy solutions, please contact Rebecca Seaman on 01858 411219 or email rebecca.seaman@fishergerman.co.uk

Agri facts

The latest farming-related statistical info and market facts from Fisher German Register for monthly agri-facts bulletins at tinyurl.com/agrifacts

£115/t

for UK feed wheat in May 2015. Prices have plummeted by £9 per tonne in the past six months and the downward slide has not been helped by large volumes of crops still stored across Europe. More positively, a dry April has ensured that the UK’s spring plantings have gone well, with spring barley, oats and oil seed rape all on target.

Bumper business rates saving

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ommercial occupiers across the UK have saved over £430,000 in business rates. A specialist Fisher German team – led by John Royle in the firm’s St Helens office and Rob Haigh in the Retford office – achieved the impressive savings by appealing against incorrect measurements or agreeing an alteration to the rates per square metre shown on the Valuation Office Agency website, as well as successfully

applying for Small Business Rates Relief.

John notes: “From March this year, refunds from business rates appeals are limited to two years rather than seven. This potentially restricts the benefit of a successful appeal by up to 70 per cent, so it is vital that firms consider their business rates now.”

For further information, please contact John Royle on 01744 458841 or email john.royle@fishergerman.co.uk

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online applications for the Basic Payment Scheme will be made this year, as the system is still not ready to handle the digital forms.

Claimants will once again have to fill in paper forms, though rather oddly will have to register online in order to do so.

The delays call into question the Rural Payment Agency and government’s ‘digital by default’ policy.

100%

of UK political parties at the time of the general election supported further CAP reform and strengthening of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, though none of the parties appeared to offer substantial benefits for farmers.

68 John Royle

GMOs are now approved in the EU for use in food or feed, after the EU commission granted licences for a further 12 plant species. However, only one GMO – Monsanto’s Yieldgard – is approved for cultivation.

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Adam Henson: farming first Regular watchers of Countryfile may feel they know Adam Henson quite well. His regular ‘Adam’s Farm’ slot follows life at Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire, which he runs with business partner Duncan Andrews. However, Adam’s origins are far away from the media world.

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profile

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lthough a regular presenter on the popular Countryfile show since 2001, 48-year-old Adam was born on the farm he now oversees, so farming and country life are in his blood.

His father, Joe Henson, took on the tenancy of Bemborough Farm, Gloucestershire, in 1961 and opened Cotswold Farm Park attraction in 1971, with young Adam a willing and impressionable farmhand, who formed a lasting bond with the animals he was brought up with. His favourite, he admits, is the farmer’s stalwart: the sheepdog. Several dogs now accompany him around the farm, including border collie Pearl and two Hungarian wirehaired Vizslas, Boo and Dolly.

Although his father, who co-founded the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973 (see box), studied

the Agricultural Mortgage Company. The pair were reunited in 1999 when Adam invited his erstwhile travelling companion to join him as business manager at the 1,600-acre Cotswold Farm Park. Adam formally took over the tenancy in 2002, from which time the duo have had a 50/50 stake in the business. Running a commercial farming operation in tandem with a tourist attraction has proved rewarding and challenging in equal measure. “The whole business is successful from a financial point of view most years – but not always. The years 1999 to 2005 were hard, but things have been better recently,” Adam confides.

Duncan’s financial expertise has proved invaluable in keeping the business on a firm footing. However, in a scenario familiar to many farmers, making a reasonable turnover from the

photography. Sean malyon

The whole business is successful from a financial point of view most years – but not always. The years 1999 to 2005 were hard but things have been better recently.” at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, Adam opted to spread his wings by gaining his HND at Seale-Hayne in Devon. “I wanted to get away from home and Dad encouraged me.

I was delighted to be near the sea,” he says.

The move allowed him to meet fellow student Duncan Andrews, with whom he found a lasting friendship. The duo worked their way around the world after college, spending eight months in Australia and three in New Zealand. “It taught me a lot about agriculture around the world and working under different styles of managers.”

His wanderlust satisfied, Adam returned to the farm in Gloucestershire, and immediately put ideas gleaned from abroad into practice.

“We used to have a single pen system for the sheep,” he says. “In Australia I saw they had a mobile aluminium pen, towed by a quad bike.

So the first thing I did when I got back was to get a quad bike! It wasn’t rocket science, but it saved us a lot of time.”

Duncan, meanwhile, pursued a career with

commercial sheep flock remains a struggle and the rare breeds are an unashamed loss leader.

“The gate money subsidises the upkeep of them.

If we didn’t have the Farm Park we’d have to specialise in only a couple of breeds to keep things going financially,” says Adam.

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Founded in 1973, its first chair was Adam’s father, Joe. Since its creation the Trust has halted the decline in British livestock breeds that saw 26 UK lines lost between 1900 and 1973. The charity publishes an annual watchlist of threatened species.

The latest shows that nine are marked as critical and six as endangered, including Boreray sheep, Northern Dairy Shorthorn cattle and the Suffolk horse. The charity, which is honoured to have as its patron HRH the Prince of Wales, receives no government funding and relies solely on donations to continue its work.

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The evolution of Cotswold Farm Park 1961

Aged 30, Joe Henson and his old school friend John Neave take over the tenancy of Bemborough Farm, then owned by Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Lacking capital, in the short term they need to devise a low-capital farming system and so begin growing barley, with a few commercial sheep for the rough banks.

1969

Joe begins to keep rare breed animals on the farm as a hobby, starting with two Gloucester cows and two Gloucestershire Old Spot sows. Joe later agrees to take almost all of a collection of rare breeds established at Whipsnade Zoo.

1971

The gates to Cotswold Farm Park open to the public. John Neave has done all of the fencing, water laying and building. Drinks are served from a mobile caravan by Joe’s wife, Gill.

1976

Joe is sent around the world by the BBC, presenting a series on domestic animals called Great Alliance.

2001

The Farm Park is temporarily closed due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, no livestock can be sold and there is no income. BBC’s Countryfile invites auditions to become their next presenter. Adam’s partner, Charlie, encourages him to send in a tape.

Despite his clip involving a very irresponsible bull and a camera-shy chicken, Adam wins the spot and his career in television begins.

2013

The Conservation Area of the Farm Park is opened, with a guest appearance from Ellie Harrison. Countryfile celebrates its 25th anniversary.

1973

On 15 February in Belgrave Square, London, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) holds its first official meeting, with Joe Henson as chair.

1999

Joe Henson passes the running of the farm to his son Adam, who invites his friend Duncan Andrews to be his business manager and subsequently his farming partner.

2011

Joe Henson is awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to conservation. The RBST also gives its own award to Joe at the Three Counties Show in Malvern, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

2014

Cotswold Farm Park is awarded Farm Attraction of the Year by the National Farm Attractions Network.

Son of the soil As well as Cotswold Farm Park, Adam and Duncan have taken on an additional 800 acres of nearby farmland and formed a partnership with their neighbour Hamish Campbell who owns 1,200 acres, meaning the joint-venture farming operation farms a total of 3,000 acres (see box right). As the second generation tenant of a threegeneration tenancy, Adam admits that he would like to actually own his turf, but is concerned by the rocketing price of agricultural land. “If your dream is to own 500 acres one day it will probably stay a dream,” he says. He wonders how those buying land at high prices will make a decent return. “You won’t get that from farming crops.”

He cites the wild fluctuations in grain prices and the ever-increasing costs of inputs, machinery and farm rents as major challenges to modern farming. Politics, exchange rates and new diseases are also aspects farmers have no control over.

Adam is a passionate flag-bearer for the farming industry but he acknowledges that there is still much to do in educating a wider audience about the excellence prevalent on most UK large-scale farms: “Our engagement as farmers with the consumer and the general public is very important. The next generation is becoming more professional about doing this.”

Whether that will lead to a flock of celebrity farmers joining the ranks of celebrity chefs remains to be seen, but Adam is certainly at the forefront of this potential trend. In 2013 he teamed up with chef Nigel Slater to present the series Nigel and Adam’s Farm Kitchen, highlighting the provenance of fresh produce. That can be a difficult sell for the majority of the UK population that lives in urban areas, far removed from the countryside.

“Many people just want cheap food,” Adam concedes, “but if, as an industry, we keep working away at the message that it’s worth paying a premium to buy British, I think we can change habits over time.”

Cultivating celebrity

Adapted from www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/about/history

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While beating the drum for farming, Adam is keen to expand the media side of his career. Last year he worked with Countryfile co-presenter Ellie Harrison on a new series of BBC1’s Secret Britain that aired this Easter. “I get on well with the other Countryfile presenters, but because of the way filming schedules work,

profile

Adam’s Farm Adam Henson and Duncan Andrews combine commercial farming with tourism over 3,000 acres of jointly-worked land near Guiting Power in Gloucestershire. The commercial side of the operation includes a flock of up to 750 sheep and a variety of arable crops. These include spring barley, winter wheat, oilseed rape and winter barley, used in Adam’s own Rare Breed Ale, see www.butcombe.com

we don’t see each other very often. For example, I’ve only met Matt Baker a dozen times,” he says.

One of the rare occasions when they do get together is the annual Christmas party and although he reveals that they all enjoy a few drinks, Adam is too much of a gentleman to reveal who is most

Cotswold Farm Park now employs 13 fulltime staff, as well as 60 seasonal workers, and attracts over 100,000 visitors a year. The site includes a 40-pitch caravan and camping site.

The Farm Park is open daily for much of the year, with seasonal demonstrations including lambing, milking and shearing. Adam and Duncan are looking to develop the business and continue to explore other opportunities. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

likely to first slip on the dance floor in their Hunters.

Adam’s family also has form in the entertainment business. His grandfather was a musical comedy star and his uncle is an actor. Although he recalls that his dream job if he couldn’t be a farmer would be to work with animals like

Practical farming is a small percentage of what I do day-to-day, but it’s the most important part of our business.”

David Attenborough, the call to appear in front of the cameras wasn’t an inner burning. In fact, it was his partner, Charlie Gilbert (they originally met at grammar school), who pushed him towards the Countryfile auditions. Adam mulls: “I thoroughly enjoy it, though I admit I have soft hands now. Practical farming is actually a small percentage of what I do on a day-to-day basis, but it’s the most important part of our business.”

“Media can be a very fickle business,” he acknowledges, “so if I’m still around in a few years I’ll be grateful.” Given his popularity it’s a fairly safe bet that he will be gracing our screens for a long time to come.

For further information, please visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk, call 01451 850307 or email info@cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

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The view from this end With a new UK government now in place until 2020, Fisher German consultant and political intelligence expert Harry Cotterell provides key insights into what kind of impact the altered political regime will have on the rural economy.

True blue

The Conservative majority in the House of Commons came as a surprise to political pundits and party activists alike. But the 12-seat margin is slim and a double-edged sword. On the plus side,the party has the opportunity to deliver growth, cut taxes and continue to chip away at the deficit. The flip side of the coin, however, is that they will not be able to hide behind a coalition partner if they fail to deliver on their own manifesto and when they make unpopular decisions (which will surely come). Neither will they be in a position to throw many brickbats at the previous government for its economic legacy.

Harry’s view: “With the distraction of a coalition partner removed, and its own backbenchers keeping policy direction tight, this government has the ability to get down to some enlightened decisionmaking. Whether it will actually do so remains an open question.”

Europe

For business in general and rural areas in particular, the major issue of the first half of this Parliament will be Europe.

The renegotiation on the UK’s fractious membership of the European Union will take place against a backdrop of economic inertia in the eurozone, possible bankruptcy of Greece and some very firm warnings against movement restriction

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by some European leaders. What is certain is that the referendum will take place before the end of 2017 and what is likely is that it will divide the Tory party.

Harry’s view: “David Cameron has not just one, but three steep hills to climb.

First, he has to achieve something meaningful in the renegotiation for the British people, a tough ask of any UK prime minister. Second, he then has to convincingly demonstrate those wins to a critical home crowd. Third, even if he achieves the first two objectives, he still has to persuade the electorate that remaining in an ‘EU reloaded’ is the right choice. That will be no mean feat considering the expected backdrop of ferocious anti-European rhetoric from up to 70 backbenchers. Cameron is a savvy operator, but the public is fickle and he will have to guard against complacency to avoid being tripped up by the fifth columnists lurking within his own ranks.”

The opposition

In general, business and property owners breathed a collective sigh of relief when it became clear that the Conservatives would remain at the helm. Labour, particularly in the final stages of the election campaign, looked more and more like a throwback to the 1970s and it was their failure to seize the middle ground that contributed most to their downfall.

All opposition parties will be keeping the current government on their toes over major constitutional issues that will be particularly relevant to those in rural areas, notably regional devolution within England, and the reduction of the size of the House of Commons to 600 MPs. The likely result in both cases is that the Conservatives will be in for an easier ride for 2020, though they will need to remain on their guard for the curveball of London’s (and Westminster’s) unwelcome dominance over all those who happen to live and work outside the capital.

Harry’s view: “It would be unwise to write Labour off as a spent force just yet.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Tories faced their own wilderness years under William Hague and Michael Howard, which in turn delivered David Cameron.

Interestingly, the key issue for Labour isn’t personalities, as there are several highly effective candidates who could take on the top job, but whether any of them will be able to convince fellow party members to move back to the centre. If not, they may be out of power for a long time.”

For further information, please contact Harry Cotterell on harry.cotterell@fishergerman.co.uk

point of view

Overall, a mixed bag of pledges but no big surprises.”

Harry Cotterell

Manifesto pledges Manifesto commitments tend to be most visible in the final stage of an election campaign, and 2015 was no exception to the trend over recent elections to give little airtime to rural issues.

Those that were mentioned by the Conservatives this time around include: • F ocus on productive agriculture A 25-year plan for British food production; more apprenticeships; a science-led approach to GM crops; red tape reduction through the introduction of a farm inspections task force; continuance of the TB-eradication plan; country of origin labelling to be tightened; and government procurement to be improved.

• F urther reform of the CAP A move away from direct payments will be dependent on the outcome of the wider EU renegotiation and referendum.

•T axation IHT reform for residences, and farm averaging of profits extended to five years (both announced in the 2015 budget).

Business rates reform promised.

• Property rights HS2 will continue; community right to bid will be widened.

• Telecoms and broadband 90% of UK mainland will have voice and SMS coverage by 2017; ‘near universal superfast broadband’ for rural Britain by 2020.

• Renewables No new public subsidy of onshore wind farms, and local planning will be strengthened, although renewable generation is to be trebled to 19% (no time limit). Other renewable technologies not mentioned.

•H ousing Ambitious plans to increase housing supply and facilitate the process for first-time buyers.

•B iodiversity HS2 biodiversity loss to be replaced locally; 25-year plan to replace nationwide lost biodiversity.

• Government bill on hunting with dogs Likely to be a free vote.

Harry’s view: “Overall, a mixed bag of pledges – some of which will be more welcome in the countryside than others – but no big surprises.

Farmers will welcome George Freeman’s reappointment as Minister for Life Sciences as it should strengthen the chances of his agritech strategy influencing government policy. It’s not clear how the ambitious and expensive broadband plans will be achieved, nor how housing in rural areas can be made affordable, especially for first-time buyers.

And despite the improving economic outlook, the Conservatives are much less green than in 2010.

That’s unlikely to change, raising questions for those investing in renewables.

The big question will be on planning. A manifesto commitment to stellar housing targets, involving building literally in backbenchers’ back gardens, will be difficult to reconcile with continued Green Belt protection.

The Conservatives are very keen to introduce market mechanisms to drive biodiversity protection, conservation work and offsetting. The problem here is that any scheme of this nature will look like an additional tax on developers and become an extra cost on housing, business or infrastructure, all of which the government of course will wish to avoid.”

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Home and dry

in Derbyshire The case of a small development in rural Derbyshire has set an important precedent for anyone wishing to convert derelict plots of land and buildings into residential properties. Fisher German played a vital part in the landowner’s victory.

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ithin striking distance of the Peak District National Park and six miles south of the small market town of Ashbourne is the parish of Cubley.

It’s typical of rural Derbyshire, with rolling fields flanked by dry stone walls.

It is also home to a site that has set an important precedent in planning law, one that is likely to pave the way for those considering converting redundant farm buildings to residential use.

In 2008 a Cubley landowner applied to local authority Derbyshire Dales District Council for planning permission to convert derelict farm buildings into three dwellings. Consent was granted, but with an unpleasant financial condition attached: a contribution of nearly £80,000 towards affordable housing elsewhere in the district. This requirement, together with the simultaneous downturn in housing prices as a result of the global recession, made the project financially unviable, so it was put on hold.

into this case I realised that government changes in planning legislation meant that a full planning application would no longer be required. Instead, we would be able to take advantage of recently introduced permitted development rights, which meant we simply had to inform the local authority of our intention to do the necessary work. The landowner was delighted, not least because this not only saved the fee for a full planning application, but also the affordable housing contribution.”

Sadly the joy was short-lived. The council first said it wanted to consider the impact on local highways as it was concerned about safe entry and access, so Angela prepared a supporting

(3,800 sq ft), well under the 450 sq m (4,800 sq ft) maximum limit, and no additional access was required. Plus, of course, the council had previously approved exactly the same scheme.”

Many landowners have been put off bringing derelict plots of land and buildings back into everyday use.”

Development rights Last year, with an altogether better financial climate in prospect, the landowner decided to resurrect the scheme and approached Fisher German to advise on making a new planning application, as the previous planning consent had lapsed in 2011.

Fisher German associate Angela Cornell takes up the story: “When I looked

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statement. Then came the shock news that permission was refused as the council considered the remoteness of the buildings made the scheme unsustainable.

Angela recalls: “We were surprised, as we believed we met all the relevant criteria. We were proposing no more than three homes; they totalled 356 sq m

Things took a turn for the better when the council, which revealed it had been refusing all permitted development rights applications of this type, suggested a way to resolve the impasse. But there was a catch: the landowner would need to make an affordable housing contribution. Angela, however, stuck to her guns and, soon after, the

regeneration

Zero carbon exemptions

The plans for the Cubley redevelopment site that set the legal precedent

government issued guidance confirming that councils were unable to demand payment in this situation.

accepted the council’s view that the site was in an isolated location. This sets a very important precedent, which should make it easier for others in a similar situation.

Landmark verdict Many farmers and other landowners have Any hopes of being able to start work were been put off bringing derelict plots of land quickly dashed when the council reverted and buildings back into everyday use. The to its original stance that the project decision reassures them that schemes was unsustainable. Although Angela which enhance the local environment can submitted further evidence highlighting override sustainability issues.” public transport access, the council Angela believes that a well-designed refused to budge. So the landowner scheme, with detailed drawings that clearly agreed to take the matter further, with show how the character of existing buildings an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. is retained and enhanced, will encounter In a landmark verdict earlier this year, far fewer objections. Meanwhile, in Cubley, a planning inspector overturned the work on giving the buildings a new lease of council’s objections. life is due to start later this year.

“Naturally, we were very pleased with the outcome,” says Angela. “The Planning For further information, please contact Inspectorate approved the project on the Angela Cornell on 01530 566 576 or email basis of special circumstances – that the angela.cornell@fishergerman.co.uk buildings and the immediate environment would be improved – even though it

From next year the UK government’s zero carbon emissions policy comes into force. It means that every new home should be ‘carbon neutral’ in terms of the energy used to heat and light the property. Ideally this should be achieved by using energy-efficient building design, low-carbon technologies and connected heat networks. Where this is not possible, the government has a number of ‘allowable solutions’ that effectively offset the carbon generated for each home.

These solutions include reducing carbon elsewhere and paying into a fund dedicated to carbon reduction measures.

The great majority of housing projects in rural areas are small developments of one or several units, particularly those creating new homes around farms and country estates. It would be extremely difficult to achieve zero emissions for these projects and even where it is possible, the cost to small developers may be excessive.

As the government is keen to encourage these smaller developments, last autumn it opened a consultation to consider whether small developments that were unable to meet the zero carbon target should be exempted from the requirement to find an allowable solution. The results of the consultation were published this spring and the government confirmed that the exemption will apply to all small developments as follows: • where the number of homes is ten or fewer and • the overall floor space is less than 1,000 sq m (about 10,000 sq ft).

Fisher German associate Angela Cornell comments: “This is good news for those wishing to make use of surplus land by creating new homes and will help to make sure that those who do so aren’t faced with unreasonable extra costs.

“However, the government has made it clear that all developers in England will be required to build to a minimum requirement set in the Building Regulations and all new housing in England must meet a consistently high level of energy efficiency and carbon reductions, irrespective of site size. Therefore, anyone considering a development would be well advised to consult with an expert to avoid being caught out at a later stage.”

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Underground activity The fuel that powers the UK – and its economy – runs through a vast underground network of pipelines that most people don’t even know exists. Unfortunately, criminals are now targeting the system, requiring expert assistance to tackle dangerous and costly thefts.

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nseen, and largely unknown, a 5,000 km underground network of steel pipes runs across the UK, pumping the fuel that is the lifeblood of the UK economy. This underground fuel system, parts of which are in use 24 hours a day, is vital to the smooth functioning of the nation. At least as important as electricity pylons and fibre optic cables, these pipes deliver refined petroleum products – aviation fuel, diesel and petrol – from one end of the country to the other.

It is a common misconception that this fuel is ferried around the country in lorries. “Some time ago it was estimated that without the fuel pipeline network, the number of road tankers required would run nose-to-tail round the whole of the M25 all day and all night. Now the figure must be even higher,” says Andrew Jackson, Fisher German’s managing partner.

Andrew has worked with oil companies and pipeline operators since the early 1980s. Fisher German was

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initially brought in to deal with legacy compensation claims arising from the construction work needed to create the trenches across farmland and private properties. Since then the company’s brief has expanded to cover third-party activity management, maintenance, surveillance and repair work, as well as taking on

German-developed internet database tool LinesearchbeforeUdig, which covers a wide range of utility company assets as well as fuel pipelines.

“Unfortunately, in the past 18 months we’ve seen a new phenomenon: thieves syphoning off fuel directly from the pipeline,” reports Andrew. In some parts

Some of the devices used are semiprofessional – some are positively Heath Robinsonesque in appearance.” the role of first responder for pipeline incidents. Fisher German now monitors about 4,000 km of cross-country pipelines.

Typical works monitored include transport infrastructure construction, utility pipe and cable installation, and farming operations such as ditching, drainage and fencing. The number of unplanned works has fallen in recent years thanks to the innovative Fisher

of the world, where pipelines can also pass above ground, fuel theft is sadly a regular occurrence.

For example, more than 3,600 ‘taps’ (illegal access to pipes) were recorded last year on Mexico national operator Pemex’s pipelines. While in Nigeria illegal fuel tapping is estimated to be costing the government up to US$1 billion per month.

Fuel theft

On the alert

Notice anything suspicious? Report it!

If you have any reason, however small or seemingly insignificant, to believe that a fuel pipeline has been or could be tampered with, you should report it to the authorities immediately. All major pipelines have plates at regular intervals showing the contact details of the pipeline operator.

Alternatively, call the local police or, to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Underground The number of attempts appears to be increasing, though few cases have been reported in the media. The most high profile so far came to light in summer 2014 when, over a seven-month period, thieves stole fuel worth more than £8 million, accessed on the governmentowned Chevening Estate, near Sevenoaks, Kent, and official country residence for both the Deputy Prime

Minister and the Foreign Secretary.

In April 2014 police were called in to a warehouse above a pipeline in Romsey, Hampshire, where thieves had siphoned off at least 30,000 litres of diesel.

The energy industry is understandably keen not to divulge too much detail about the pipelines so as not to encourage further theft. But it recognises that greater public awareness could be extremely helpful in limiting future crime. Although monitoring equipment and online inspection tools are already used, patrolling the hundreds of miles in remote countryside under which the pipelines pass is no easy task.

Criminals often mark hedgerows and road signs to indicate where they are working – usually under the cover of darkness – to their co-conspirators, but these can be extremely subtle. “Twigs may be placed by the roadside in a certain way or plastic bags may be hung in hedges,” reports Andrew.

Although likely to be missed by the casual observer, local people may well be able to spot such telltale markers.

Fisher German is already engaging with local landowners to increase vigilance in pipeline areas. Recently an attempted theft in the Midlands was foiled when a farmer chased off thieves who had already installed collecting equipment in a remote derelict building. Members of the public who have smelt fuel have reported other incidents (see box, left, on how to report possible pipeline theft).

The consequences of using home-made equipment to siphon off the fuel could be very serious – not least to the thieves themselves, who risk death or serious injury when they drill into pipelines pressurised at up to 1,500 lbs per square inch. “Some of the devices used are semi-professional – some are positively Heath Robinsonesque in appearance,” says Andrew. “But all of them have the potential to rupture the pipeline and cause leaks or even an explosion.”

The pipelines being targeted are in rural areas, so the potential for major environmental contamination is high, particularly if leaks seep into local watercourses. The impact of a rupture could be felt much further afield.

“These multi-fuel pipelines are part of the infrastructure that keeps UK plc running. If they go out of service for any length of time, the result could be shutdowns of petrol stations and even airports,” Andrew explains.

So more resources than ever are being focused on tackling pipeline theft to persuade would-be thieves that the chances of getting caught outweigh any financial gain. Fisher German now has a team of over 50 people working on fuel pipeline contracts. “This is a highly trained group of people who fully recognise the importance of the job and take it extremely seriously,” says Andrew.

“We work minute-by-minute with clients in some cases and are very committed to improving our service.”

For more information, please contact Andrew Jackson on 01530 410812 or email andrew.jackson@fishergerman.co.uk

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Animal kingdom A new giraffe facility and an extensive gibbon complex are just the beginning of a new era for Twycross Zoo. We look at the first fruits of a 20-year development plan.

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t may seem odd for an institution that has specialised in primates for over 50 years (see box, below), but over Easter the big attraction at Twycross Zoo was not monkeys, but some altogether taller animals. After an absence of three years, a trio of giraffes were the stars of the show and their substantial new accommodation was completed in the nick of time.

Richard Benson, partner at Fisher German, who project managed the new facility – branded Giraffe Savannah – admits that getting all the work done to an exacting timescale was a challenge that required considerable organisation: “We only began in late October and we were starting from scratch as the original giraffe building had been converted to a

History of Twycross Protecting primates has been at the heart of Twycross Zoo since it first opened to visitors in May 1963. Such was the passion of founders Molly Badham and Natalie Evans, they established a centre for primates that pioneered new standards across the world. Now home to all four types of great apes (gorillas, orang-utans, bonobos and chimpanzees), Twycross has recorded the first UK births for 13 species, including the bonobo and the woolly monkey, and is an internationally recognised gibbon-breeding centre.

The zoo, open daily from 10am to 6pm, welcomed over 430,000 visitors, including 60,000 schoolchildren, in 2014 and expects visitor numbers to increase this year. It is heavily involved in education and worldwide conservation programmes. Since the launch of the Conservation Welfare Fund in 2006, it has contributed over £350,000 to 55 projects across the globe. TV anthropologist Professor Alice Roberts became a patron of the zoo last year. www.twycrosszoo.org

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zebra house. A week before the giraffes were due to return, there was still a lot of activity going on, from laying gas pipes to putting up final installations.”

The public seem to appreciate the arrival of the giraffes – three males, named Brad, Epesi and Setanta – as much as the animals appear to appreciate the work that has gone into their new home. On Easter Monday there were three-quarter-mile tailbacks on the A444, such was the demand to see them. “We’ve been delighted at how many visitors have come,” says the zoo’s head of discovery and site development Claire Oldham, “even taking into account that we were expecting visitor numbers to have risen on this time last year.”

A new open-air paddock has proved a big hit with its high-level viewing platform that allows the public to get close to the giraffes nose-to-nose.

However, the 88-acre Midlands zoo, a registered charity that sits on the Warwickshire-Leicestershire border

twycross zoo

The Gibbon Forest, left, and café, top, should be open this summer, while the public are already enjoying Giraffe Savannah, above

What may be best practice for putting up a building used by humans isn’t necessarily best practice where animals are concerned.” within easy reach of major centres like Birmingham and Derby, is not resting on its laurels with the completion of the giraffe project. In March it unveiled a 20-year development plan. Claire explains: “The aim of future developments is to improve animal welfare standards by creating habitats that more closely resemble those of a natural environment.”

To get a better understanding of the existing state of the zoo’s facilities and work out what would need doing in future, Fisher German carried out a survey of each of the 60 buildings on the site. “This was a very useful exercise as it had never been done before. It has identified a number of issues that can now be worked into the timeframe of future

development plans,” says Richard.

With the building survey work and planning approvals for the recently opened Lorikeets Landing enclosure complete, a four-strong Fisher German team has been concentrating on project managing a new complex. Dubbed Gibbon Forest, it includes four separate islands surrounded by moats (gibbons can’t swim), a bespoke visitor area and a two-storey building that will house the primates, with individual ‘pods’ for the different gibbon species. A new water play area and café are also planned for visitors.

The challenge for any project involving demolition and excavation is dealing with the unexpected. An electrical switchhouse and an old optical cable are just two of the

obstacles already encountered by the project team. Consideration also needed to be given to nearby residents – but at Twycross these were avian rather than human. The zoo’s emus are sensitive to noise so, when organising construction, care had to be taken not to upset them. The project team and the zoo team have been working very closely together to make sure that all the surrounding animals’ welfare is not compromised during the work.

Project managing any kind of construction involving animals requires considerable thought, notes Richard.

“What may be best practice for putting up a warehouse or other building used by humans isn’t necessarily best practice when animals are concerned. Different species have varying characteristics.

For example, giraffes – whose tongues can extend up to 45cm – will tend to lick surfaces, so any sealants used must be non-toxic.

“While gibbons tend to pick at any openings, so gaps in structures either need to be designed out or strengthened so that they can’t be pulled apart.”

The Gibbon Forest project team is working to a tight schedule to have the new facility up and running in time for this year’s school summer holidays.

Meanwhile, plans are already afoot to start the next phase of the great apes centre. Chimpanzee Eden (its working title) will provide a complex, socially adaptable environment, specially designed for two chimpanzee groups.

A planning application has been submitted and the aim is for the chimpanzees to move into their new home next year. But between now and then Richard and his team will have to be extra vigilant to keep the project on track.

He says: “It’s all about co-ordination and keeping everyone informed. We normally provide a progress report on a weekly basis, but when things are particularly busy we’ll do it daily if necessary to ensure everything runs smoothly. So far the results speak for themselves: the facilities have opened on time and on budget.”

For further information, please contact Richard Benson on 01530 567466 or email richard.benson@fishergerman.co.uk

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Heritage for the future Improving a heritage property can be challenging and expensive without the right advice. Understanding the ‘significance’ of heritage assets is fundamental both before and during works to listed and other historic buildings to allow an efficient, joined-up project.

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Importance of significance The conservation of heritage assets appropriate to their significance forms the cornerstone of planning policy. The local authority’s listed building officer will play an important role in proposals to repair, refurbish, alter, convert or restore listed buildings. For Grade I and Grade II* buildings, Historic England will be a statutory consultee.

Significance is categorised by Historic England in four ways: • Evidential value The potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity.

• Historical value The ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present

in a development. “Confusingly, there are many names for these documents, including Heritage Impact Assessments, Impact Justification statements and Conservation Plans,” says Tom.

– tends to be illustrative or associative.

• Aesthetic value How people draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from a place.

• Communal value The meanings of a place for the people who relate to it, or for whom it figures in their collective experience or memory.

A local authority will ask for an explanation of what is significant about a heritage asset, and how the proposal recognises this significance. This is known as a heritage statement.

According to the National Planning Policy Framework, conserving significance will then be given ‘great weight’ when considering the value of the application.

This assessment and appraisal of the conservation value of a heritage building should always be undertaken at an early stage, he stresses. “Taking a proactive approach inevitably leads to a smoother

getty images

T

he unique beauty of historic buildings is too often marred by their lack of modern comforts – a lack of warmth and proper plumbing are common complaints.

However, safeguarding character does not necessarily mean abandoning all thoughts of utility or amenity: older properties can certainly be brought into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, there are many misapprehensions about what is possible with listed and historic buildings, especially around the key concept of ‘significance’, says Tom Barton, Fisher German associate. “A classic mistake is to look at an English Heritage listing document. In fact, the description is only to identify the building in question.”

Nevertheless, significance is important: it’s the yardstick by which how a building should be conserved is decided (see box).

A dedicated expert has to explain in a heritage statement what is significant about a building and how to consider this

heritage properties

Manor Farm, Dethick, Derbyshire The Grade II* listed Manor Farm in Dethick, Derbyshire, features a little-researched outbuilding that sits adjacent to the farmhouse.

Set in picturesque surroundings, Manor Farm dates from the early 13th century and was home to Anthony Babbington (1561–86), ringleader of the infamous Babbington plot, which ultimately led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587.

According to local legend, Babbington planned to free Mary from nearby Wingfield Manor by tunnelling between a series of abandoned lead mines.

The Babbingtons were known Catholic sympathisers and the small outbuildings are a repository of carved stones associated with this clandestine movement.

As with most heritage conservation projects, Dethick required a Conservation Statement and a Conservation Management Plan. These have three main components: • an evaluation of significance; • an identification of risks to this significance (including from refurbishment or conversion work); • a set of policies or explanation of how this significance will be managed/retained.

The Manor Farm site has high evidential value, high historical/associational value, medium aesthetic value and low communal value.

The site was threatened by its redundancy and its lack of maintenance. Once this information was established, policies for managing its significance were then recommended.

Photos courtesy of Tom Barton

planning process and better designs,” says Tom. “Agree with the statutory authorities what makes the place significant and, equally, the elements that are of lesser significance.”

Modern materials and installations can then be used in less significant areas, offering far more convenience and contemporary design. Regardless of whether a property is to be sold with planning permission or the building work actually undertaken, there can be a significant uplift in value.

Complementary skills This expertise is usually separated from the planning, construction and project management. Tom, who qualified as a chartered building surveyor in 2010 and has recently completed a twoyear postgraduate diploma in Historic Environment Conservation (which he passed with distinction), saw an

opportunity to improve the process.

“I was keen to formalise ten years of experience in the historic sector and to further my skills in the philosophical and practical aspects of building conservation.”

If these conservation skills can be augmented with intuitive understanding of building regulations, and complemented by team members skilled in the negotiation of planning requirements and project management of construction, it “frees up and focuses the design process”, says Tom. “This integrated approach ensures straightforward communication and feeds into informed decisions on budgets and financial planning.”

The benefits are also clear in terms of project management. “As chartered building surveyors, our everyday work involves the design and project management of works to alter, convert, repair and extend listed and other historic buildings,” Tom explains.

“Combining these core skills with a

deep understanding of the process of managing significance lets us provide clients with clear and impartial advice should the designs require alteration.”

This process of ‘variation’ is common as discoveries are often made after work has commenced. Problems are often exacerbated on buildings that have stood vacant for some time or have not been properly maintained.

“For instance, water can enter a building through poor guttering, poor pointing and poor detailing to windows and cladding, and it is often the concealed timber and surrounding masonry that is most vulnerable,” says Tom. Practical recommendations, both before and during construction, ensure that historic significance is safeguarded and a property’s potential is realised.

For more information, please contact Tom Barton on 01530 567469 or email tom.barton@fishergerman.co.uk

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Giving back to the land A family estate near the small Leicestershire village of Blaston is trialling a sustainable land management programme using a combination of crop rotation with temporary grass leys and contract cattle farming. Four years into the experiment, we see how it’s going.

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estling in fields eight miles north-east of Market Harborough, the tiny village of Blaston will this year once again host its popular annual country show, normally held at the end of June. What the hundreds of visitors raising money for rural charities will be unaware of is that some of the countryside nearby is part of an innovative experiment in land management.

Less than half a mile from the showground lies a 1,000-acre family estate that for generations had been farmed with a traditional mix of arable crops (about 85 per cent – see panel on opposite page) and permanent pasture grazed by sheep. In the past few years

though, things have begun to change, due to the vision of landowner Hylton Murray-Philipson. Once described by the Daily Telegraph as a ‘raging idealist’, the successful entrepreneur is well-known for supporting conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest and for his interests in renewable energy.

Less appreciated – until now – are his concerns for the British countryside.

“Hylton has a global vision of sustainability and the need to live within ecological limits. It is important for him that the family land is farmed in a way that is consistent with those values, without having a negative impact on its commercial potential. He believes that we need to put into the soil as much

Contract farming lowers risks This year’s new arrivals at Blaston, a suckler herd of 30 South Devon cows (see photo on opposite page), are an important part of the overarching strategy of improving soil quality. Adding cattle to the existing sheep grazing stock is expected to result in better control of the grass pasture and better fertilisation of the ground. “Hylton wanted a UK native breed and, at exactly the right time, a whole herd came to market. This happens very rarely,” reports Fisher German local partner Tom Heathcote.

As Blaston had no existing cattle facilities, Tom suggested a contract farming agreement: the farm provides the cattle and grass, and the contract farmer brings his livestock expertise and overwintering facilities. The farm already had a good working relationship with a local producer – M&H Belcher from Melton Mowbray, who are long-established cattle and sheep farmers and who graze sheep at Blaston. Initial discussions with them were very constructive and they were ultimately appointed as the contractor.

The cattle will be transported several miles to the Belcher farm each autumn to calve, returning to Blaston to graze the following spring. “The advantage of contract farming in this case is that it spreads risks. It avoids large capital expense for the landowner investing in cattle buildings, while using spare capacity in the contract farmer’s cattle buildings,” says Tom. Over the next five years the herd is expected to grow to about 100 animals.

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as we’re taking out of it,” explains Fisher German local partner Tom Heathcote, who has worked with the family since 2012. Tom’s challenge is to convert the vision into reality.

Soil quality Like many UK farms, Blaston was suffering from a long-term deterioration in soil quality caused by the common practice of short crop rotation. Greater amounts of inorganic fertiliser were being applied to maintain already static yields and there was an increasing problem of weeds, in particular black-grass. The high level of spray resistance recorded resulted in more sprays being applied at extra cost – which didn’t address the cause of the problem. The growing weed burden, soil erosion and flooding were all symptoms of soils lacking organic matter. “The continual grazing of the permanent pasture by the sheep was also detrimental,” adds Tom. “Although we understood the soil problems, which were reinforced by regular soil testing, we wanted to know more about the local eco-systems,” adds John Lane, the farm manager. So three years ago a bird study was conducted to reveal how local avian and insect populations were faring. The results were positive: they revealed a good natural environment with a number of diverse habitats including 20 areas of woodland across the property, wet zones and untended areas. A total of 85 different species of birds were recorded including

sustainability

Blaston’s crops Crops harvested at Blaston include: • winter wheat; • spring wheat; • winter oilseed rape; • spring and winter beans; • spring linseed (top photo); • winter oats.

several red- and amber-flagged rare birds such as linnets (pictured above), yellowhammers and spotted flycatchers.

Having established that they had a good base to work from, Tom’s team first considered how best to improve the soil condition. “Farmers frequently just look at weeds as an isolated problem without looking beyond for the root cause,” he says. “But at Blaston the view was very much that the presence of black-grass and other broad-leafed weeds was a direct result of poor soil

years, reduces the germination of weed seeds. The grass improves the soil structure and condition because the roots alleviate compaction, while the clover helps to fix nitrogen. The animals that graze on it also add nitrogen to improve the chemical balance within the soil.

Bespoke grass mix “We’re four years into an ongoing experiment,” relates Tom. “The next few years will be exciting as the initial grass leys are replaced by arable crops.

We hope to see improvements to both soil fertility and the yield of the following crop. The question is to what extent.” structure and condition, which is what needed to be addressed.”

The solution was twofold: to increase crop rotation times from two to three years to five to seven years and introduce grass leys (temporary pasture areas) to the arable rotation. The grass cover initially suppresses weeds and blackgrass and, as it is left for several

To avoid disturbing the ground by ploughing, which would release CO2 and cause further weed seed germination, the first crops will be directdrilled. We hope to see improvements to both soil fertility and the yield of the following crop. The question is to what extent these will be boosted.”

In order to quantify the improvements,

Companion crops are also being trialled. For oilseed rape, these include clover and common and purple vetches.

Black oats and vetches will be sown as a cover-crop for overwintering stubble.

regular soil and fertility tests are carried out and yields are recorded on a field-byfield basis. The overall aim is a reduction in the spray and fertiliser applications and a steady increase in profitability.

The farm is trialling bespoke grass mixes for each field sown with grass ley to determine which seed combination best suits the local soil and provides most benefits to the livestock that grazes it.

“Choosing the right mix of grasses is very important. It’s about trying to match an individual field with grasses that will benefit the soil structure and condition, while still providing good feed value for the stock grazing it,” comments Tom. All of this (including the results of the newly introduced cattle grazing – see panel opposite) will take time: “It won’t happen overnight, but it is pioneering work that could show others how to farm in a commercial way while enhancing the environment at the same time.”

For further information, please contact Tom Heathcote on 01858 411222 or email tom.heathcote@fishergerman.co.uk

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The

business of buildings

Property investment for beginners,

part 2

In the second of a two-part feature we explore the world of commercial property investment for first-time entrants.

The risks may be higher than in residential – but so are the potential returns. (The first part of this article can be found in our last magazine on the Fisher German website.)

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roperty investment, far from being the sole preserve of TV celebrities and rock stars, is accessible to ordinary people looking to give a boost to their income during the current period of prolonged low interest rates.

For many first-time investors, property is synonymous with houses – the obvious choice to invest their money.

What they may not realise is that commercial property – essentially any type of building that is not residential – could be a sounder investment.

“Commercial property often provides a better rate of return,” explains Fisher German partner Kevin Benson.

“Residential investors accept lower return rates in favour of high capital growth.

With commercial it’s almost the reverse, so if income is important, then commercial is almost certainly the way to go.”

Long-term view Get-rich-quick speculators can stop reading now as commercial property investment is a medium- to long-term proposition, with five to ten years being a typical term. Many individuals choose to hold on to property for longer – and even to pass capital on to the next generation of their family.

As with any investment, there are risks. If a building becomes vacant, for instance, then the owner may still be

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required to pay a proportion of business rates on the empty property. However, on the upside, management of commercial premises is considerably less onerous. “I would always recommend employing a property manager as they can add value to the property, but for those who prefer to get involved directly, there is much less for them to do. For example, they won’t get called out on Saturday lunchtime to attend to a broken boiler,” says Kevin.

Standard commercial leases make the tenant responsible not only for insuring and maintaining the property during their period of occupation, but also for repairing it so that it is handed back to the owner in the same condition. “There are exceptions,” warns Kevin, “so have a professional check the lease or leases before agreeing to a purchase.”

Making the choice The first question facing any prospective buyer is what type of property to invest in. There is a variety of commercial uses, but first-time investors will normally choose one of the main three asset classes: offices, retail or industrial. An excellent rule of thumb, Kevin suggests, is to relate the property type to the environment experienced by an investor in their working life.

“Farmers do well with industrial buildings because they have a lot a practical experience, which can be useful if the property needs improving between tenants,” he says. Similarly, those who have worked in retail may choose to invest in shops, while those who have a career in a professional discipline could be drawn towards an office property.

Yields: what are they and how are they worked out?

A yield – expressed as a percentage – tells you what kind of return you will get on your investment. There are several different types of yields. The most common are: Gross yield The expected rental income is divided by the price paid.

Net yield The same calculation as the gross yield, but the purchase price includes purchase costs (typically stamp duty, legal and solicitors’ fees).

Example – purchase of a shop Annual rent (£13,500) ÷ purchase price (£155,000) = gross yield 8.7% Annual rent (£13,500) ÷ purchase price (£155,000) + purchase costs (stamp duty £1,550 + legal and surveyor fees £2,970 = £4,520) = £159,520 = net yield 8.47%

property investment

Potential returns on a small shop investment

Potential returns on an industrial investment

A small terrace of three shops in a typical market town.

Annual rent (£16,400) ÷ purchase price (£175,000) = gross yield 9.4% The yield will also be determined by the financial worth of the retailer.

Current gross yields in small standalone shops range from 8% to 12.5%.

Two or three buildings on an industrial estate.

Annual rent (£20,000) ÷ purchase price (£250,000) = gross yield 8% This type of investment is currently very popular and that is reflected in higher purchase prices.

An 8% yield can be achieved on a good-quality property, rising to 10% on properties that require more active management from the investor. Higher yields – of 12% and over – are possible, but indicate an increased level of risk.

Novice investors should buy relatively close to home: understanding the local market, and therefore who is likely to occupy the building – and provide the crucial income – is key. Also, some insurers require a weekly building inspection – if the property becomes empty – which can involve travel if you’re managing a property yourself.

Each commercial property type has its own characteristics. For retail units, prospective buyers should take into account nearby shops and, if their property is already occupied, what type of business is trading. Figures from PwC and the Local Data Company show that high street store closures totalled 987 last year – a steep increase from the 371 recorded in 2013. Assessing how easy

it will be to find another tenant if the current one goes under or their lease comes to an end is important.

“It’s not necessarily about having a brand name,” says Kevin. “As an investor your prime concern is for your tenant to trade reliably for the length of their lease, so a strong local business may well be able to do that.”

Local knowledge is also invaluable when investing in industrial units.

First-timers may buy a couple of units of about 2,000 square feet each, or even a small terrace. Turnover of tenants may be higher in these types of buildings: they are typically smaller businesses that take short-term leases and move around properties as business expands and contracts. Consider the quality of the

building and how energy-efficient it is.

“The government is tightening up on this area, so taking on a 1960s uninsulated unit might be buying into a problem,” advises Kevin.

First-time investors are least likely to purchase an office property because, although they may offer the best yields, the initial purchase cost can be substantially higher than for a local shop or a couple of second-hand industrial units. Offices tend to date most quickly, though older buildings can have more parking spaces than modern ones, which could be a defining factor, depending on local circumstances.

Whichever type of property an investor goes for, keeping the relationship with tenants on a professional footing is paramount, concludes Kevin: “It’s important to understand your tenant’s business, but – particularly if you manage a property yourself – you need to keep a certain distance as ultimately you may have to make tough commercial decisions to protect your investment.

“And that, after all, is why you invested in the property in the first place.”

For more information, please contact Kevin Benson on 01777 719148 or email kevin.benson@fishergerman.co.uk

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Rebirth for

renewables The recent dramatic slump in oil prices has cheered motorists and farmers, who have seen the seemingly constant upward trend in petrol and diesel prices halted. But what does cheaper oil mean for the renewable energy industry?

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T

here has been much speculation this year about the fall-out from the dramatic slump in oil prices, down from US$115 per barrel to a low of just US$45 per barrel. However, the midto long-term impact on renewable power generation will likely be marginal.

The price of oil is creeping back up, but the lower prices at the pumps certainly brought cheer to motorists and farmers alike, who were delighted that the seemingly upward-only spiral in petrol and diesel had been reversed.

Those not quite so pleased included members of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee. They saw their goal of two per cent inflation pushed back further than ever as the drop in fuel prices contributed to monthly inflation in the first quarter sinking to zero.

The question some of those considering renewable energy installations have been asking is whether such projects may become less economically viable if oil prices fall again or remain low. The answer, quite simply, is no.

“Oil is the main source of fuel for the transport industry, which is most sensitive to price movements,” explains Mark Newton, partner and head of renewables at Fisher German. “Other business sectors, however, generally use electricity, which is generated from a variety of

renewable energy

Made in Britain There is currently only one company manufacturing standard wind turbines in the UK – and that company is Canadian.

Worcestershire-based Endurance builds the mid-range 225 kW X-29 model under licence from Danish manufacturer Norwin. The

sources, including hydrocarbons (such as coal and gas), nuclear and renewables.”

Global trends Many power stations used to be run on oil but over the past 40 years they have now mainly switched to gas, which is cleaner and easier to transport (see also oil pipeline feature, page 14). Because so little power in the UK is now produced by oil, the impact of oil price fluctuations on renewable energy projects is minimal.

And the reasons in favour of switching

Commercial solar goes through the roof One of the last – and most welcome – moves of the previous government was to extend the threshold for solar panel installation from 50 kW to 1 MW before planning permission is required. This means that projects generating up to this amount no longer require planning consent from local authorities, bringing a significant time/cost saving for those wishing to take advantage of solar-generated power.

“The panels required for 1 MW cover roughly the area of a football pitch,” says Mark Newton, “so it is clear that most rural and commercial landowners, who want to use their roof space to install solar panels, will benefit from this.”

straight-tipped turbine has a rotor diameter of 95 ft and is suitable for installation on farms and in remote areas. “The largest market of medium-sized turbines is the UK, so it’s good to see that some are actually built here as well,” says Mark Newton.

to wind, solar, biomass or hydro power remain, particularly as the UK is bound by strict EU-wide targets to reduce carbon emissions and is facing increasing pressure to phase out the coal- and gas-fired power plants.

This is, of course, a global issue.

Countries like China are suffering from significant pollution caused by burning large amounts of coal in their power stations. This is creating severe smog and cancer problems in many cities. As a result, says Mark, “the Chinese are now developing more wind farms than any other country in the world. The Chinese are also building wind turbines and that is helping to bring the price of large-scale wind turbines down.”

In fact, the costs of turbines have already fallen as designs have been made more efficient and some are now being manufactured in the UK (see box above).

Public sentiment means that securing planning permission for onshore wind turbines is increasingly difficult, while offshore projects remain popular, even though the cost of a project may be 50 per cent higher than a similar one on land.

It’s not just the price of wind installations that is coming down. Over the past four years the cost of solar panels has plummeted by more than 250 per cent “By 2020 we expect that the cost of panels will have reduced further still and that further financial support will not be needed as they reach what is called ‘grid parity’,” says Mark.

Improvements in solar technology mean that by 2030 about one quarter of the UK’s energy will come from solar panels.

Bright future The only area where renewable projects could face limited competition from reduced oil prices is biomass systems that provide heat and are supported by the renewable heat incentive (RHI)

payment. “These projects are becoming more marginal for heating properties, compared to the lower price of oil. However, as they continue to attract RHI payments for seven years for domestic or 20 years for commercial, they are still viable on sevento ten-year paybacks,” says Mark.

Government policy is likely to have more of an impact on take-up of renewable energy projects over the next few years than oil prices. Although the previous coalition government made positive noises about renewables, it eventually reduced many of the subsidies designed to persuade businesses to switch. It is unclear whether the new Conservative government will have a change of heart – pressure from Europe and beyond to meet global-warming-related targets

The Chinese are building more wind farms than any other country.” might be enough for this to happen.

Perhaps more certain is a continued climb in oil prices, as many oil companies have cut back substantially on their drilling operations. Oil production in the US has temporarily fallen after fracking companies ran into financial difficulties caused by the global dip in oil prices, but American fracking has survived and could overtake the Middle East in oil production.

While the temporary increase in oil prices may not be such good news for motorists, the outlook for renewable energy schemes remains bright.

For more information, please contact Mark Newton on 01858 411215 or email mark.newton@fishergerman.co.uk

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From cottages

to quarries A

t Fisher German our agency business continues to grow at an exciting pace and there is even greater diversity in the transactions we are handling. At present we are selling everything from village cottages, town houses and farmhouses to grand houses and estates at £10m+. We are marketing small parcels of land to substantial commercial farms, single barns for conversion to development sites for in excess of 220 residential units; we are handling quarry sales, stretches of river, equestrian centres and many other assets in addition to a whole host of commercial enterprises. Here we showcase a very small selection of sales from the residential and rural agency teams.

1

Honiley Hall, Warwickshire – An important manor house, guide price £10 million

2

Fishing for sale on the River Dovey

4

Airey Hill Farm, Northumberland – a traditional 239-acre grassland farm

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Commonside House, South Yorkshire – a beautifully positioned Regency house, guide price £685,000

5

Lode Mill House, Derbyshire – a Georgian gem on the banks of the River Dove, guide price £625,000

3

6

Caulcott, Oxfordshire – a productive block of arable land, about 434 acres, guide price £3.5 million

diverse sales

7

8

Townsend Farm, Waterperry – a period house, 50 acres, extensive outbuildings and 11 cottages presenting a diverse investment

9

Burston Hall, Staffordshire – a classic house with land, cottage and mooring, guide price £1,295,000

10

4

Shalfleet Manor, Isle of Wight – an historic village manor on the coast with holiday lets, guide price £2,150,000

Chebsey, Staffordshire – a nationally renowned fishery with substantial house and 30 acres, guide price £1,350,000

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3 5 8

2

10

Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire – a classic old rectory with exceptional gardens, guide price £875,000

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1 12 6 12 7

Nr Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire – a development site for eight houses with views towards Symonds Yat, guide price £650,000 9

For further information, please contact Stuart Flint on 07501 720422 or email stuart.flint@fishergerman.co.uk

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Natural burials There are now over 270 natural burial sites in the UK, most of which are privately owned.

This offers land and estate owners the opportunity to diversify their estate even within the Green Belt, while safeguarding and retaining their natural surroundings.

D

espite the increase in agricultural land prices, many estates and farms have been held hostage to volatile crop and livestock prices. For those reluctant to sell land, the opportunities for diversification to build a sustainable income can seem limited.

Perhaps an unusual choice but far less intrusive than some other options, the conversion of land to a natural burial site can be an appropriate way forward.

A shortage of burial plots in many areas makes this an increasingly common route.

People will be unaware a burial site exists because of its ‘back to nature’ look and instead will see unspoilt landscape.

This can be a key objective for many estates who wish to preserve and enhance the natural look of their land for the next generation while raising estate income.

Natural burials offer a scenic and non-intrusive option that can provide a significant and long-term income for landowners, says William Gagie, partner at Fisher German. “Sites are nondenominational and thus open to all faiths

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– or those of no faith at all – so there is a very wide market.” Some even offer areas devoted to pet burials – another rapidly growing market.

Indeed, the surging popularity of green burials has seen the number of sites in the UK rocket from just one in 1993 to more than 270 today. Usually featuring wooded areas and meadows, these developments

Low impact For landowners, too, natural burials can be a low-impact option, says William. He has been involved in the development of a 6.24 ha natural burial site near Ockbrook in Derbyshire that is expected to deliver about 11,000 burial plots. Planning consent has now been granted and the finer details of the development are being confirmed with the local planning authority, prior to the expected opening in early 2016.

This may sound like a large number but William is adamant that there will be relatively little difference in the appearance of the area.

“The current agricultural land will be converted to native woodland. There will be no built structures above ground – the only visible change will be the planting of trees.”

For the Locko Park Estate, which has been under the same ownership since

There will be no built structures – the only visible change will be the planting of trees.” offer a pleasant, serene environment for bereaved family and friends coming to pay their respects to their loved ones.

Buyers of plots are attracted by the feeling of closeness to nature and the less formal structure, often choosing biodegradable coffins to limit their impact on the environment.

natural burials

1747, safeguarding the picturesque landscape is a key consideration.

The idea came from the family that owns the estate, William says. “They undertook research into other sites in Nottinghamshire and north Derbyshire.

It was felt that the idea was appropriate for the estate – in line with their sustainable and low-impact ethos.”

The development will also help diversify away from the agricultural income that has been the estate’s mainstay for centuries. “The costs of maintaining the estate to the high standards the owners set are not going down,” adds William.

“Diversification should help to maintain this unique and historic estate.”

Overcoming obstacles Locko Park’s location on the edge of the urban area of Derby and in the Green Belt made getting permission challenging, says Jenny Salt, a planner at Fisher German who prepared and submitted the planning application for the natural burial development.

However, in-depth research helped make a robust case. The local parish has only five years’ space left in the local cemetery, an issue common across the UK. The increasingly diverse and multi-faith UK complicates the picture, with many existing sites aimed solely at those of a Christian faith.

“The development at Locko Park is less formal than a traditional cemetery so it should appeal to people who are not of traditional faiths,” says Jenny.

This appeal can extend to planning committees, she adds, a factor that helped the estate gain permission for development within the Green Belt.

While she stresses that it is far easier to get permission for natural burial sites outside of Green Belts, it is noteworthy that the Locko Park development was approved despite its non-compliance with the development plan.

At the estate’s burial ground, people will be remembered by the planting of trees, flowers and small wooden plaques instead of gravestones, and coffins are

to be biodegradable. This ‘minimal built form’ is one of the reasons the development was approved in Green Belt land, Jenny says. Due to recent case law, any change of use of land within the Green Belt requires very special circumstances to be demonstrated. “This is subjective and can be difficult to prove.

For natural burial grounds in the Green Belt, there must to be a demand for the development and it needs to be shown that there is no alternative site.”

In this case, it was shown that the pressing need for more burial plots, which was researched and proven as part of Jenny’s case, would be alleviated in a low-impact manner. William quotes one of the councillors at the planning meeting, who said the development would actually make the Green Belt greener.

Nevertheless, the planning process can be difficult to negotiate, whether within the Green Belt or not. “Each case is taken on its own merits,” says Jenny.

“Anyone considering a natural burial site, or indeed any change of use for their land, should seek expert advice at the outset – this will potentially save a lot of wasted time and effort.”

More about Locko Park is available at lockopark.co.uk. For further information on natural burials, please contact William Gagie on 01530 410 859 or email william.gagie@fishergerman. co.uk, or for planning advice on the change of use of land, please contact Jenny Salt on 01530 567 475 or email jenny.salt@fishergerman.co.uk

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peoplenews

Latest promotions An improving business outlook across many of the firm’s sectors has resulted in 12 promotions.

The most recent round of promotions includes three new associates and five new local partners, including Helena Tibbitts (profiled opposite).

Ben Marshalsay, right, and Matthew Hodgetts, far right, rise from local partners to fixed share partners.

Matthew joined Fisher German in 2002 and originally worked for the firm in the pipeline division. However, he was keen to broaden his skills and qualified as a rural practice chartered surveyor in 2006 and as an agricultural valuer in 2008. Based in Worcester, he acts for a number of utility companies dealing with linear apparatus throughout the UK, but also focuses on rural estate management.

Ben is based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, although he can be found anywhere within the network of the firm’s offices as his role involves countless site visits.

Previously with Knight Frank, he joined Fisher German in 2013 and has 15 years’ experience of development agency work and extensive knowledge of the greater Midlands area, as well as

excellent relationships with national and regional developers. Two years ago he headed up a new development surveying department that has built up a strong reputation for adding value to existing projects and generating new work.

The firm has been investing heavily in recruitment and has a 96% success record in helping professionals qualify.

Development and progression in a

friendly and supportive environment is offered and Fisher German would like to hear from individuals who are interested in working in any of our six sectors.

Please contact Maria Wade at maria.wade@fishergerman.co.uk if you are interested in a career with Fisher German. Contact details for any of the people mentioned above can be found at www.fishergerman.co.uk/people

New partnership in Bedford Fisher German has extended its presence in the south east of England by merging with long-standing Bedfordshire surveying firm Warmingtons. The move will strengthen operations from nearby Fisher German offices in Thame, Banbury and Market Harborough.

Warmingtons owner Jeremy Clayson, above, and his team already work with an extensive list of local farmers and landowners, and the merger gives them the resources to win new clients and further develop the business.

Jeremy, until recently honorary secretary and treasurer of the Bedford branch of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, adds: “The merger will enable Warmingtons Fisher German to tackle the future from a hugely strengthened base.”

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Ashby staff unite Significant growth of Fisher German’s business in Ashby-dela-Zouch over the past five years has resulted in the current tally of 120 staff being split among several sites in the town.

Now the firm is building a bespoke 15,000 sq ft office at Ivanhoe Business Park that will bring everyone together.

The move into the new building is expected in spring 2016.

Andrew Bridge, newly appointed COO at Fisher German, says: “Our new office has capacity for additional people as we expect our business will continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming both new and existing clients.”

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Partner spotlight: Helena Tibbitts For Helena Tibbitts, work is a whirl of visits, valuations, calls and other communication. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

H

elena, promoted to local partner in April and in charge of agency for the Stafford office, thrives in the diverse nature of her work for the firm. Spending most of the week shuttling between a wide range of properties, she is involved in valuing and marketing properties for sale and to let in Staffordshire, Shropshire and south Cheshire. “It is really varied – I might be looking at a cottage in need of renovation in the morning and then a much more substantial property worth several millions in the afternoon.”

She relishes helping people get the best deal. “There is a massive satisfaction in seeing everything go to plan, especially as I am involved from the start of the process – valuations and so on before the property is even on the market – to seeing people move out, often into another property that Fisher German has been involved with.”

Communication is a critical skill. “Along with tenacity,” Helena adds with a smile.

Circuitous route This drive is evident in what Helena calls her “unconventional” route in to estate agency. “I studied English at Exeter,” she says. “At that time I didn’t have a clear idea of what I would like to do, although the fact that, as a child, I used to steal my parents’ Country Life to look at the properties should have given me some idea.”

She began working for an agency in London but, as she had ridden horses since the age of two, the call of the

The personal touch Home: Lichfield Hobbies: Dancing, singing, acting, photography and baking Sport: Riding since the age of two

Theater Oper Musical Berlin’s producton of 42nd Street

I’m involved from the start of the process to seeing people move out.” countryside was strong. “I was commuting for an hour each way and not getting the chance to ride so I decided to move on.”

A move to Stafford in 2006 to join the firm took her back to her roots in nearby Lichfield, bringing friends and family close.

Motivated by her fulfilling new job, Helena studied to obtain her postgraduate diploma in Surveying together with obtaining professional status as a Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) and Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV) in just three years.

A dramatic change Helena’s spare time features an equally determined and impressive performance

– literally. As a member of the Stafford & District Operatic Society, a group that is now more than 90 years old, she is a singer, a dancer and an actor. Recent productions have included 42nd Street and (perhaps aptly) How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.

“I’m not in the next production as I don’t have the time because of work, but I do really love theatre and music. I’m also a member of the Military Wives’ Choir as my husband is in the Services.”

Being musical does sometimes have its downsides, however. “I often value properties where individuals have pianos and on several occasions when letting slip that I play the piano I’ve been asked to play something,” Helena says.

“I think I should expand my repertoire for such occasions!”

For further information, please contact Helena Tibbitts on 01785 273991 or email helena.tibbitts@fishergerman.co.uk

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Sector insight Online challenge

Taxation and land supply

More of the same?

Stuart Flint, head of property agency

David Merton, head of rural consultancy

Richard Benson, head of planning & construction

Countless times I am asked about the threat to traditional estate agency businesses from online-only operators. I have spectated, studied and investigated, intrigued at the constant stream of start-ups and the emergence of new players run by non-property professionals, and bemused by crowdfunding activity providing a fraction of the vast capital required to establish a true presence.

I have kept an open mind and even considered hybrid solutions for our own operation. But in recent months I have reached a conclusion: for all but very ‘standard’ residential property, online-only sales will never establish more than a modest foothold in our marketplace. I have not encountered one success story but we have picked up the pieces of numerous failures.

Not only is rural property complex and the middle and upper reaches of the residential market characterised by convoluted transactions, but the entire process necessitates a high degree of human interaction to gain a result, never mind a good one.

The web is powerful. It allows us to reach far-flung markets at the touch of a button, but regardless of market conditions, the sale of residential and agricultural property can go terribly wrong if not handled with care. Getting the price right, choosing the best method of sale, creating an eye-catching presentation that adds value, negotiating hard to get the best deal and chasing the sale through the legal quagmire remain as challenging as in pre-internet days. Only a human can accomplish this effectively, so we won’t be turning into machines just yet!

While the general election has undoubtedly caused some people to delay buying and selling, we can see a definite increase in the supply of land coming onto the market this year – with the returns available from farming seemingly heading in the opposite direction to the value of farm land. A number of landowners have taken the view that it may be time to realise what is now an extremely valuable asset.

Low commodity prices seem set to continue in the agricultural sector, with world supplies of wheat, for example, still at an all-time high. This has led many businesses of all sizes to question whether they are doing the right thing continuing to own an asset that may only be providing a return of one or two per cent or, in many cases, no return at all on an annual basis.

Whether or not the current tax reliefs available on land ownership, particularly Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief for Inheritance Tax, will stay remains to be seen.

Undoubtedly, these reliefs generate a substantial element of the current land value.

The difference between average, good and very good performance in farm and estate businesses continues to widen and the current low returns will represent substantial opportunities for expansion for the better-managed businesses.

The rural sector will continue to experience change and, as the changes in commodity prices become more frequent and extreme, and taxation changes start to focus on farmland ownership, we anticipate that the current increase in land supply to the market will continue, although currently this seems still to be met by an enthusiastic demand.

The recent difficulties in the development and construction world will hopefully start to dissipate over the coming months now that the government has been chosen following the general election.

Over the past few months we have seen Mr Pickles refuse 90 per cent of applications placed before him and planning decisions at local level have been politically charged.

Developers, though, are not put off, albeit that the timing of submissions became critical, with some applications being deliberately delayed to allow post-election determination. Hence, there has been a ‘slowdown’ in residential development that has impacted on the number of consented sites being brought to the market.

In April, further permitted development rights were unveiled, allowing greater free rein on undertaking certain projects without the need for full planning permission, and this ‘push’ to remove red tape and ease development bodes well.

However, experience shows that central changes can be met by local resistance, with over 50 per cent of submissions for conversion from agricultural to residential being refused.

Although the political picture is now clearer, it may take time for the implications of the result to fully materialise. That said, some things are set to remain constant: a continuing demand for new homes; a construction industry skill shortage; and rising material and build costs.

As such, once the political dust has settled, the impact on the development and construction sector is likely to be minimal.

For further information, please contact David Merton on 01530 410806 or email david.merton@fishergerman.co.uk

For further information, please contact Richard Benson on 01530 567466 or email richard.benson@fishergerman.co.uk

For further information, please contact Stuart Flint on 07501 720422 or email stuart.flint@fishergerman.co.uk

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sector SPOTLIGHT

Fisher German’s sector heads look forward to what lies ahead for the firm and its clients

Return of confidence

People power

Renewables vs oil

Kevin Benson, head of commercial

Andrew Bridge, head of utilities & infrastructure

Mark Newton, head of renewable energy

The anticipated slowdown in the commercial property market has not really been too obvious, with activity from occupiers continuing to outstrip supply, particularly in the investment and industrial sectors.

Indeed, one of my colleagues, Jason Hercock, carried out some research and the results were interesting. Some 75 per cent of the businesses registering for new property in his patch were looking to expand, compared with 28 per cent across the firm. This is very encouraging and shows that confidence among many is starting to return.

We have also seen the relaxation of the pension regulations, which allows those with pensions to draw down money in lump sums. It’s too early to tell if this will affect the commercial market, but those with pensions may be attracted to some of the smaller investments, where returns could have a significant impact on their income.

As I said in my last Insight, the lack of speculative development was the missing ingredient, but with returning confidence surely the banks will start to ease their stance?

Time will tell but with a Conservative win in the general election this should hopefully boost confidence further.

As oil prices have climbed from a low of nearly US$45 a barrel, predictions of a growing global economy have led to a level of optimism regarding crude production around the world. Within the infrastructure sector, the movement in value has led to reviews of operational efficiencies – potentially impacting on planned and ongoing projects.

Pressures on suppliers into these industries have meant that there is a continual drive toward cost reduction, resource reallocation and technological advancements. As an industry striving to build resilience in infrastructure, there is a critical necessity for a strategic alliance with suppliers to ensure that efficiencies can be achieved.

Skilled resource is a commodity that impacts significantly on deliverability and cost management.

Within the global markets this resource is sought after and mobile, which has led to challenges in the UK, which is competing with North America, Australasia and the Middle East. Visibility of project work and clarity regarding timings provides stability, allowing the necessary resource to be identified and trained.

The New Model in Technology and Engineering (NMITE) University, due to open in 2017 in Hereford, a privately financed liberal sciences school, starts to redress training within engineering. An innovative proposal with significant industry engagement could mark a change in the type of further education that attendees benefit from. As an industry, our innovative thinking has to spread further than the process and the system, to include the most valuable input: the resource.

The price of oil was as high as US$115 a barrel and then fell in mid-January this year to US$45 a barrel.

Since then it has risen due to increased world demand. The falling price of oil has not affected renewable projects as oil is primarily used to generate transport fuels and not electricity. For the first time during the past 12 months the world has actually used less fossil fuel, as it now switches to renewables, particularly in China.

It is expected that by 2030 solar will become cheaper than conventional energy sources and that in the UK 25 per cent of our energy production will come from solar PV. Deep-water oil – at over US$100 a barrel – is no longer viable.

Overall, renewable energy production in the UK was 15 per cent in 2013 and rose to 19.2 per cent in 2014, which is mainly due to big rises in bioenergy, solar and wind, and for the first time renewable electricity generation out-performed nuclear generation in 2014.

There are currently a lot of problems in getting grid capacity for renewable projects as it has all been used up. A lot of people are not aware that there is still capacity in high- or medium-pressure gas mains for anaerobic digestion plants and developers are currently paying rents in excess of £100,000 a year for suitable sites.

The opportunities for renewables are still good but the politicians keep moving the goalposts!

For further information, please contact Kevin Benson on 01777 719148 or email kevin.benson@fishergerman.co.uk

For further information, please contact Andrew Bridge on 01530 410828 or email andrew.bridge@fishergerman.co.uk

For further information, please contact Mark Newton on 01858 411215 or email mark.newton@fishergerman.co.uk

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Office directory Contact details for Fisher German’s 15 national offices

1 St Helens

Fisher German sectors

Phone 01744 451145 sthelens@fishergerman.co.uk Rainford Hall Crank Road WA11 7RP

Commercial

• landlord & tenant • property management • sales & lettings • telecommunications Contact: Kevin Benson kevin.benson@fishergerman.co.uk

Planning & construction

• applications & appeals • architectural design • building surveying • development & promotion • environmental management • project management Contact: Richard Benson richard.benson@fishergerman.co.uk

Property agency

• auctions • development • equestrian • estates • farms and land • residential Contact: Stuart Flint stuart.flint@fishergerman.co.uk

Renewable energy

• anaerobic digestion • biomass • eco-friendly buildings • hydro • solar PV • wind energy

2 Chester

Phone 01244 409660 chester@fishergerman.co.uk 4 Vicars Lane CH1 1QU

3 Knutsford

Phone 01565 757970 knutsford@fishergerman.co.uk 2 Royal Court Tatton Street WA16 6EN

4 Stafford

Phone 01785 220044 stafford@fishergerman.co.uk 2 Rutherford Court ST18 0GP

Contact: Mark Newton mark.newton@fishergerman.co.uk

Rural consultancy

• compulsory purchase • estates • expert witness • farms • rural valuations • sporting

5 Retford

Phone 01777 709943 retford@fishergerman.co.uk 21 Exchange Street DN22 6BL

Contact: David Merton david.merton@fishergerman.co.uk

Utilities & infrastructure • electricity • fibre optics • gas • www.LinesearchbeforeUdig.co.uk • oil & chemicals • water

Contact: Andrew Bridge andrew.bridge@fishergerman.co.uk

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6 Newark

Phone 01636 642500 newark@fishergerman.co.uk 12 Halifax Court Fernwood Business Park Cross Lane NG24 3JP

sector spotlight

15 Canterbury

Phone 01227 477877 canterbury@fishergerman.co.uk Court Lodge Farm Offices Godmersham Park CT4 7DT

14 Bedford

Phone 01234 823661 bedford@fishergerman.co.uk Park Farm House Park Road Stevington Bedford MK43 7QF

13 Hungerford

Phone 01488 662750 hungerford@fishergerman.co.uk The Cuttings 120 High Street RG17 0LU

12 Thame 1

Phone 01844 212004 thame@fishergerman.co.uk 17 High Street OX9 2BZ

5

3 2

6 4

11 Banbury

Phone 01295 271555 banbury@fishergerman.co.uk 50 South Bar OX16 9AB

7 8

9

14

10

10 Worcester rural

Phone 01905 453275 worcester@fishergerman.co.uk 2 Birch Court Blackpole East WR3 8SG

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15

Worcester agency

Phone 01905 726220 worcesteragency@fishergerman.co.uk City Wells House Sidbury WR1 2HZ

9 Bromsgrove 7 Ashby-de-la-Zouch Phone 01530 412821 ashby@fishergerman.co.uk The Grange 80 Tamworth Road LE65 2BY

8 Market Harborough

Phone 01858 410200 harborough@fishergerman.co.uk 40 High Street LE16 7NX

Phone 01527 575525 bromsgrove@fishergerman.co.uk 8 New Road B60 2JD

For more information visit:

www.fishergerman.co.uk fisher german magazine

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www.fishergerman.co.uk