Rural Bulletin: 21st June 2018

Government announce updates on drone usage regulations

The Government has announced significant changes to the legislation concerning drone usage which is likely to affect landowners.

The two main changes include:

• All drones will be banned from flying higher than 400ft (120m) and within 1km of an airport boundary – with affect from 30th July 2018

• All users of drones weighing over 250 grams will need to register their drone with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and complete an online safety test – with affect from 30th November 2019

There will, of course, be some exemptions to the rules. However, in principal the new rules are likely to apply to most drone users – whether for commercial or personal use.

Find out more about drone usage regulation or contact a member of the Rural Asset Management Team.

Farmer wins £8m inheritance case against father

Oxfordshire farmer, John Michael Gee, has won a court case against his father over a dispute about the inheritance of an £8m estate. 

John had worked on the farm for over 40 years on a low wage with the belief he would inherit the estate. The business’ 24,000 shares were owned largely by his father, Richard, but in 2014 he transferred all his property and land holdings to a developer. 

As a result, John challenged the decision, bringing a proprietary estoppel case against his father and brother. The case was heard at Bristol Civil and was ruled in favour of John. The exact division of the assets will be decided at a second hearing later this summer.

Full details of the case 

Gove announces review of National Parks

Environment secretary, Michael Gove, has launched a review of the UK’s National Parks and Areas of Natural Beauty, to ensure designated landscapes are fit for the future.

An independent panel will look at how these landscapes meet the country’s needs in the 21st century – including whether there is scope for the current network of 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks to expand.

The review, led by writer Julian Glover, will also explore how access to these landscapes can be improved, how those who live and work in them can be better supported, and their role in growing the rural economy.

Mr Gove said: “Amid a growing population, changes in technology, and a decline in certain habitats, the time is right for us to look afresh at these landscapes. We want to make sure they are not only conserved but enhanced for the next generation.”

Bridging payments to be paid to Countryside Stewardship claimants

Defra are offering a 75% bridging payment to farmers and landowners who have not yet received their Countryside Stewardship money – with funds expected to be in bank accounts by the end of the month.

This comes following calls from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the NFU and the Tenant Farmers Association, which wrote to environment secretary Michael Gove this week, describing the situation as a “shambles”.

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