This What's New section is a quick one-stop shop to show you the most recent additions to the Members Area (log-in required) and News items.
The eighth tranche of DAERA’s Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), Higher Level, is open for applications from 1st May until 17th May 2024.
Farmers are being reminded by DAERA that any Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Entitlement Transfers for this year must be completed by midnight Thursday 2nd May 2024.
DEFRA has warned that the seasonal low vector period has ended. The biting midge which carries the virus has become more active with the warmer Spring weather and there is an increased chance of infected midges being blown over from the Continent. While there is currently no evidence that the bluetongue virus is circulating, DEFRA is planning for an increase in cases. Farms close to the coast in counties along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent and along the south coast from Kent to...
Designed to assist members with the common questions that arise in relation to telecommunications agreements, this note covers renewals of protected leases, how to value consideration, potential redevelopment, amongst other aspects. This note has been updated to reflect the latest provisions of the PSTI Act being implemented, as well answering some additional questions regarding: why a new agreement following a 1954 Act renewal is referred to as a Code lease (Q3);stakeholders in the telecoms...
Following feedback from farmers, DEFRA have amended the eligibility criteria for the scheme, removing the 150m limit. This means that farmers will be able to receive payments for all land parcels which are flooded contiguous to an eligible river. See our website note of 9th April for more detail of the fund....
The Minister’s response to a Parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall on 18th April set out the Government’s position on “large solar farms” ahead of a solar route map to be published in “weeks”. This note contains some extracts from the debate.
This article by Jeremy Moody first appeared in the CAAV e-Briefing of 18th April 2024 We are almost always in the middle of a story. The past is not over but rather a prologue. The future is yet to come, evolving from now but with surprises. There is rarely a conclusion, though sometimes hindsight suggests a move to the next Act. The present is simply a waystation, not an answer. More than for some time, we are living amid accelerated change and disruption, perhaps familiar with what we have...
After a report by the Climate Change Committee advised that Scotland’s interim target for a 75 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 was out of reach, the Scottish Government has today announced that it is dropping the target while keeping the 2045 net zero target. This note looks at the policies announced with the change.
The Department of Levelling, Housing and Communities has published its National Infrastructure Planning Guidance. Aimed at assisting acquiring authorities, local communities, landowners and those professionals advising, the guidance is set out to outline best practice, statute and case law for the different phases of a National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) under the consenting regime of the Planning Act 2008....
The Government has laid the Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 in both Houses of Parliament. This note provides an overview.
DEFRA has announced the opening of a Water Restoration Fund. This note provides more information.
These Regulations make changes following the compulsory purchase reforms in England made by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2022 (see CAAV webnote of 22nd February 2024). Taking effect from 30th April 2024, the regulations amend The Compulsory Purchase of Land (Vesting Declarations) (England) Regulations 2017 and The Land Compensation Development (England) Order 2012, with the main changes being: Form 2 (form of notice specifying land and stating effect of general vesting declaration)...
These Regulations make changes to the prescribed forms in England following the compulsory purchase reforms made by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2022 (see CAAV webnote of 22nd February 2024). The changes take effect from 30th April 2024 and substitute the forms in The Compulsory Purchase of Land (Prescribed Forms) (Ministers) Regulations 2004 as follows: Forms 7 – 9 and 10 – 12 (prescribed notices) have been updated to require the inclusion of website addresses on statutory...
Ofcom has published its updated Electronic Communications Code - Code of Practice (15th April 2024), which outlines best practice to facilitate positive and productive engagement between all parties across a range of issues for both mobile and fixed line infrastructure.
DEFRA has now published its Wye Valley Action Plan for the English length of the Wye. This note looks at the proposed measures.
The Government has now issued its response to the report of the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor. This note looks at the detail....
The European Court of Human Rights has given a judgment in which it substantially develops its legal reach in the context of climate change. The case of Swiss Klimaseniorinnen, that Switzerland had not made adequate provision to mitigate climate change by measure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, was upheld. This note provides an overview....
The Scottish Government has opened a consultation into legislative proposals to better manage and extend protected sites, as well as proposals to manage land for the delivery of the target to manage 30% of Scotland’s land area for nature by 2030. This note provides a summary.
This article by Jeremy Moody first appeared in the CAAV e-Briefing of 12th April 2024 The Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England was published on Monday. It is a voluntary Code for all parties to tenancies (that is, landlords and tenants) and their advisers, giving guidance as to approach, conduct and behaviour. It looks to support good relationships and help where difficulties arise. Intended to improve practice, it does not change the law or alter any contract and...
The Forestry Commission has announced the eighth auction of the Woodland Carbon Guarantee Scheme. This note provides more information.