This section lets you know what is needed to apply for a Council Farm.
General guidelines for applicants
Some applicants will have the skills, knowledge and expertise to complete the application process. However, input and advice from your Land Agent/agricultural valuer/consultant and/ or bank manager and/ or accountant may be applicable to help fine tune your application. You are taking a big step and professional advice is often helpful.
At the viewing day please make yourself known to the land agency staff.
Take care in completing the application form and the submission of additional information. Please submit clear, concise and relevant information. Make sure you submit your tender by the closing date.
Selection criteria for prospective tenants
Technical ability, relevant experience and qualifications
(35% weighting)
Each prospective tenant should have more than five years experience engaged in full time practical agricultural and/or land based work. Three years of any relevant full time course in agriculture at university, college or other further education establishment, can be included within this experience.
Preference may be given to applicants who have immediate past experiences in a form of agriculture to be practised on the holding.
Prospective tenants should confirm their ambition of progression from the Council Farms system to farm in the private sector, i.e. occupation of the holding for the fixed term offer is understood and accepted.
Environmental awareness
(35% weighting)
With the letting particulars a Farming and Environmental Opportunities Report will be supplied which sets out possible opportunities to strike the right balance between achieving good agricultural production whilst also meeting environmental and sustainable growth on the farm together with enhancing public access onto the farm as appropriate.
Financial strength and available capital
(25% weighting)
Prospective tenants are expected to provide evidence of sufficient working capital to run the holding. If necessary they will need to show that they have made provisional arrangements to make up any shortfall (e.g. source of borrowing).
Rent
(5% weighting)
Whilst due regard will be had for the level of rental offers submitted, the Council provides a general guide in the letting particulars as to the rent. However, depending on the proposed business plan this is open to the applicant to offer what is felt appropriate based on what the overarching business proposal can justify. You will need to take into account the nature and character of the holding on offer and the residential element.
Prospective tenants are advised to make provisions for a private pension scheme and a retirement home.
The Council reserves the right not to accept the highest offer or any offer made.
No application can be considered from a person who has an outstanding court order or recent debt registered against them.
