The HS2 Phase 2B working draft Environmental Statement has been published today (11th October 2018). The Environmental Statement is a substantial assessment of the impact of the proposed scheme which has to be submitted as part of the Hybrid Bill. The draft Environmental Statement details the loss of residential/commercial property, damage to protective species and habitats, impact of noise and visual impact and the affect on farm businesses.
rostons
BPS Derogation to help farmers after the hot and dry conditions of Summer 2018
DEFRA have announced a derogation for Ecological Focus Areas to help with the shortage of fodder and grazing. This will be in place by the 30th September 2018 to help those with Countryside Stewardship or Environmental Stewardship agreements.
Agricultural Bill – Impact on England & Wales
The Agricultural Bill was published on the 12th September 2018 and this document has given us a clear definition on the phrase that Michael Gove has been using recently of “public goods”.
Double Cropping Your Maize Ground? Sustainable Catchment Management Programme
Come along and see what worked! Do you want to get more from your maize ground while improving the structure of your soil and protecting local water quality?
Grant Schemes for Agriculture – An Update
This round of the Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme has now closed, if you are a successful applicant, remember your Grant Claim Form needs to be submitted with all other information in the specified claim period which for most applicants is mid September. Please get in touch with Rostons if you have any issues, we will endeavour to assist you as ever with agricultural advice.
HS2 Phase 2B – Update
HS2 have confirmed that the proposed Hybrid Bill deposit for HS2 Phase 2B the section North of Crewe and Birmingham to Leeds is now scheduled for June 2020 and they are proposing to receive Royal Assent in 2023.
A “No Brexit” Deal & Farm Payments
As it stands a no Brexit deal is sounding more and more likely based on a 60/40 chance of this happening.
DEFRA have just confirmed that they believe it to be unlikely however, they have a duty to prepare for a “no deal!”.
Fully UK Funded Scheme – Payment by Results (PBR)
It has been announced by the Environment Secretary that the new Payment by Results (PBR) Project will be the first Agri-Environment Scheme directly funded by the UK.
Hot Dry Weather – Recent DEFRA Guidance
DEFRA have finally released guidance relating to how Farmers and Land Owners can deal with the hot and dry weather conditions particularly when meeting the requirements for Grants and Payment Schemes.