Rural & Agricultural Law

The agriculture is facing its greatest challenge in a generation following our exit of the EU. The UK law which governs so much of our rural life is built upon the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), so we can expect seismic changes in the next few years as we transition away from the CAP. It is in these periods of turbulence and uncertainty that the need for truly specialist legal advice arises. There has never been more important time to have a firm grasp of current agricultural law and to have a clear vision of the future developments in store for the agricultural community.

How we can help?

Our specialist agricultural law team is based at our South Molton office. They deal with rural legal affairs on Exmoor and the wider farming community in North Devon. The team is overseen by Brett Lawrence a Partner and specialist property lawyer. The team also includes Helen Hine, herself a farmer’s daughter. We also offer agricultural law services from our main office in Barnstaple.

What makes us different?

In many legal firms agricultural law falls between two stalls: the technical complexities of farmland will invariably be dealt with by the property team, while matters such as the creation of partnership agreements and other finance work are likely to be dealt with by the commercial team. Slee Blackwell Solicitors are different. Our Rural and Agricultural team will take care of all your affairs. Matters will be dealt with by a dedicated lawyer throughout so that continuity of service can be guaranteed.

By choosing Slee Blackwell Solicitors you are assured that your legal affairs will be managed by  one specialist lawyer who will make it their job to understand your individual needs and establish a close working relationship with you.

Our experience

Being based in the heart of Devon, our South Molton office deals almost exclusively with agricultural and rural law. Agricultural matters are also dealt with in our Barnstaple office. We deal with a broad spectrum of work, including matters as diverse as hunting rights in the south west outside of the Duchy of Cornwall, the reservation of fishing rights and the transfer of working farms as a going concern.

We work closely with the agricultural teams at the major banks and financial institutions. We have also established close links with other farming and agricultural professionals, including accountants, land agents and farm business advisors. We know that our job fits into a bigger picture with a requirement to work in tandem with others to give you the best commercial advantage possible.

Unique local knowledge

Our local knowledge, acquired over generations, and familiarity with local planning requirements gives us an edge in North Devon. This can be a huge benefit for clients seeking assistance with matters such as planning agreements under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act. We are also very familiar with the requirements of North Devon District Council, Torridge District Council and Exmoor National Park, amongst others.

Areas of Specialism:

Our agricultural law specialists are highly experienced in dealing with property transactions involving farms, farmland and agricultural buildings, using all their local knowledge to our clients’ advantage.
We specialise in dealing with farm business tenancies and the legal issues impacting on farming partnerships.
If you are looking to refinance your farm or a rural business then contact our specialist team.
We are experienced in drafting and advising on leases in respect of agricultural buildings.
In tandem with our Private Client team, we offer specialist advice on estate planning and the transfer of agricultural assets through the generations.
Our lawyers are hugely experienced in dealing with hunting, fishing and all other manorial rights.

Work with our team:

Brett Lawrence
Partner
Brett manages the firm's South Molton office and specialises in transactions involving rural and agricultural property. He also sits on the Devon and Somerset Law Society education and training sub-committee.
Brett Lawrence
Partner
Brett manages the firm's South Molton office and specialises in transactions involving rural and agricultural property. He also sits on the Devon and Somerset Law Society education and training sub-committee.