Duchy tenants may have to buy farms or leave as Prince William plans sell-off
Summary
The Duchy of Cornwall plans to sell up to 20% of its land and property over ten years, potentially affecting as many as 40 farm holdings across several parts of England. It says it hopes to sell farms to current tenants where possible, while tenant representatives say some farmers face uncertainty and may not be able to afford to buy.Key Facts
- The Duchy plans to raise about £500 million through the sales and invest the proceeds in local communities, affordable housing and environmental projects.
- The Tenant Farmers Association says up to 40 farm holdings in Devon, Cornwall, Herefordshire and the Midlands could be affected.
- Talks about the future of nine farms on the Bradninch estate in Devon have already begun, and the sales programme has expanded to Cornwall and other areas, according to the association.
- The Duchy has about 700 agricultural lettings, including around 300 whole-farm holdings.
- Tenants have different types of agreements, including time-limited and lifelong tenancies, some of which can pass to family members.
- Duchy rural director Matthew Morris said the estate was listening to farmers, offering support and working with each tenant to find an outcome.
- Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn said tenants faced uncertainty about farm valuations, timing and their options.
- The Duchy said there were no immediate evictions planned and that nobody would be made homeless.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
