The Rural Bulletin: 20 July 2017

Light shed on HS2

The government has made three significant announcements this week which should give clarity to the thousands of property and landowners affected by HS2.

Among these are the proposed route for Phase 2b and the Environmental Impact Statement for Phase 2a. This outlines the route from Birmingham to Crewe and triggers the consultation process for those affected. This is an important opportunity for affected landowners to share their views before MPs debate Phase 2a later this year. 

The announcement of £6.6bn of contracts is significant as it kicks off the detailed design process for Phase 1 and is a vital step for all affected landowners as they are likely to become directly involved in negotiations regarding accommodation works such as fencing, water supply, drainage etc. 

More information can be found here.

Winter barley disappoints in the South West

Winter barley yields and quality are proving disappointing in the South West, particularly in Dorset, where low bushel weights and very dry crops are reported. However, in Devon, Wiltshire and Hampshire crops are coming in slightly better. 

Other crop prospects seem more positive with oilseed rape yields and oil content looking good. Wheat harvest is expected to begin in the region in the next 10 days. 

Farmers could expect a refund from HMRC

Farmers incorrectly removed from the agricultural flat-rate scheme (AFRS) could be due a refund or compensation from HMRC. Qualifying farmers can add 4% to their trading sales instead of recovering VAT on underlying costs – but HMRC has withdrawn AFRS certificates if farmers are seen to gain a much greater benefit than under normal VAT registration. However, this action may contravene EU VAT principles so could be open to challenge.

MP calls for a change to the law on private land

MP Alec Shelbrooke has secured an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons calling for a change in the law to allow prosecution of driving offences committed on private land. 

This comes after an 11-year old boy was killed on farm by a tractor operated by a driver twice over the legal alcohol limit. At present, the Crown Prosecution Service is unable to bring a prosecution under the Road Traffic Act if an accident takes place on private land. 

Appeal refused against £2bn wind farm development

A £2 billion wind farm project in Scotland has been given the go ahead after an appeal by RSPB Scotland was rejected. The Neart na Gaoithe offshore farm was approved by Scottish ministers in 2014 but was challenged by RSPB Scotland, claiming the development threatened thousands of seabirds.

The project will be capable of supplying 325,000 homes with clean energy and create more than 500 jobs during construction and over 100 permanent posts once operational.