A 375 acre Downland farm in the South Downs National Park

Description

Pickers Hill Farm is located east of Brighton City and north of Saltdean Village, situated within the South Downs National Park and made up of 375 acres.
The farm offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to start their farming business or expand existing agricultural enterprises. The farm has historically been a mixed farm of pasture and arable.
There are seven farm buildings located at the center of the holding, and one semi-detached cottage to the south, which is in poor condition.

LEASE TERMS
The holding is to be let under a Farm Business Tenancy in accordance with the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 for a term of 15 years. The lease will be full repairing and insuring.

CITY DOWNLAND ESTATE PLAN
The Council is looking for an enthusiastic tenant who will be willing to work with them to deliver the objectives of the City Downland Estate Plan.
The tenant would be expected to incorporate the objectives into their day-to-day farming practices. This would include community engagement activities, landscape restoration, public access and environmental improvement.
The tenant will be encouraged to support biodiversity on the farm by managing existing habitats, improving condition of the grassland and establishing new arable margins.

METHOD OF LETTING
The holding is to be let by informal tender and is available as a whole or in up to three separate lots. Tender application forms are available upon request and should be completed in full and returned with the supporting documents.

LOT 1- THE LAND
The holding totals 375 acres of which there is approximately 162.34 acres of pasture and 206.66 acres of arable land. The land sits at an elevation of 100 metres.

LOT 2 - THE FARM BUILDINGS
Building 1: Steel portal frame construction, measuring 326.5 m2, with corrugated sheet roof, large roller door.
Building 2: 37.72 m2 open front building with tiled roof, currently used for storage.
Building 3: 138.27 m2 concrete portal frame building with asbestos cement roof. A low flint wall inside provides some wind protection.
Building 4: 235.40 m2 traditional timber framed building, tiled roof, four standard size, split-door stables.
Buildings 5 & 6: Two traditional timber frame brick buildings
Building 5: 235.40 m2, three large double doors, three single paned windows, tiled roof.
Building 6: 56.37 m2, open fronted, corrugated sheet roof.
Building 7: 161.23 m2 timber frame and brick traditional building with six bays, tiled roof.

LOT 3 - THE COTTAGE AND THE LAND
The holding benefits from one semi-detached cottage to the south. Services include mains power, water and drainage. Downstairs comprises of a kitchen, dining room, living room, utility and a W/C. Upstairs has three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is an external shared outbuilding for storage.
The cottage is in poor condition. The Council will give the property a light refurbishment to include a new central heating system, kitchen, bathroom, and decoration throughout to a basic, clean and tidy standard.
The tenant must make their own enquiries to ensure they are satisfied with the condition of the cottage.

Lot 4 - The Whole

PUBLIC ACCESS
The current rights of way are shown in dotted red lines on the adjacent plan. The Council are seeking opportunities across the estate to improve access and manage the existing public rights of way.
The Council may dedicate the land as statutory open access subject to the Council having the right infrastructure in place. Statutory open access would not be dedicated on arable land.

For a full set of particulars and tender form please contact us.

VIEWINGS
The holding will be available to view strictly by appointment only on either Tuesday 11th June or Monday 17th June 2024.

Viewers are reminded to take care of their own personal safety when on the holding particularly around the farm buildings and the cottage.




Acreage: 375 Acres