The sale generated considerable interest which led to competitive bidding across all lots, the fitted stables and Carroll Major horse jumps being most competitive, as anticipated. Offering a mix of both agricultural and equestrian lots, including feed troughs and hay racks, gathered interest from a wide variety of purchasers and led to hammer prices well above expectation.

Market Report

• The Five Stables sold for a total of £6,320 to several purchasers
• Two Carroll Major Horse Jumps sold at £540
• The Arena Grader sold at £1,500
• Surprise Sale Highlight – Automatic Gate sold for £3,300

View all Final Hammer Prices Here

Viewing Evening

Earlier in the week we held a viewing evening which was of great benefit to prospective purchasers ahead of the sale commencing. Many of those who attended the viewing evening went on to bid on the higher value lots, which confirmed for genuine dispersals the mix of online and in-person viewing is a must for a successful sale.

Considering a Dispersal?

This dispersal is a great example that no dispersal sale is too small. Online timed sales, with viewing days, can really serve those considering a dispersal but concerned about the number of lots to warrant an in-person sale with added expenses, set-up and marketing required. Online provides the opportunity to receive the benefit of dispersal prices without the additional costs. 

Thank you

We would like to thank our clients for their instructions and entrusting Rostons to conduct their dispersal sale, we wish them the very best for the future. In addition, thank you to all those who enquired and placed bids during the timed sale. 

Our NEW upcoming Online Sale – October 15th 2026

If you are interested in selling or buying through our online sales, they are making a return – in a new format! Sales will be conducted online – live with our Auctioneer, Jack Jones on the Rostrum, contact Jack for further details on how to enter. 

The post Online Equestrian Dispersal Sale Success appeared first on Rostons.

The changes form part of wider planning reforms, with a new approach to local plan-making also coming into force in 2026. For those operating in rural areas, the updated NPPF continues to
recognise the importance of supporting rural businesses, agriculture and the long-term sustainability of rural communities.

Support for Rural Businesses and Farm Diversification
The NPPF continues to support the sustainable growth of rural businesses, including the conversion of existing buildings, well-designed new buildings, and the development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based businesses.

This is particularly relevant to farms looking to diversify their income. Opportunities can include rural tourism and leisure, farm shops and other enterprises that help maintain the viability of a rural holding.

The framework also recognises that rural businesses may need to operate outside settlements and in locations that are not well served by public transport. Where this is the case, proposals should make use of previously developed land or sites well related to existing development where opportunities exist, while ensuring the location and design are appropriate to their surroundings.

On-Farm Development
The policy framework supports development that can maintain and improve the viability and sustainability of farms, recognising that modern agricultural businesses may need to invest in infrastructure on their land to remain viable and support domestic food production.

Examples of supported development may include:

• Improved livestock accommodation
• On-farm reservoirs
• Greenhouses and polytunnels
• Farm shops
• Temporary accommodation for seasonal agricultural workers

What About a New Farmhouse or Rural Worker’s Dwelling?
The position on isolated homes in the countryside remains particularly relevant to agricultural businesses.

The framework continues to recognise an essential need for a rural worker to live permanently at or near their place of work, including someone taking majority control of a farm business.

This can provide a potential route to planning permission where there is tangible evidence to demonstrates the functional need exists.

For farmers considering a new dwelling, the planning case needs to focus on the specific circumstances and needs of the business, rather than simply the desire to live on the holding.

Why Does This Matter for Landowners?
The updated NPPF reinforces an important message: planning policy is not simply about restricting development in the countryside. It also seeks to support sustainable rural economies and viable agricultural businesses.

Landowners should therefore consider the planning potential of their land and buildings as part of wider estate and business planning.

A redundant agricultural building may offer opportunities for alternative use. A farm may need new infrastructure to support expansion or diversification, while a rural business may require additional premises or accommodation.

At the same time, proposals must be carefully considered against policies protecting agricultural land, landscape and the character of the countryside.

What Should Rural Landowners Do Now?
The changes provide a useful opportunity to review existing plans and longer-term ambitions.
Consider:

• Is the farm infrastructure still fit for purpose? If additional livestock housing, reservoirs, polytunnels, greenhouses or other infrastructure are needed, early planning advice can help establish what may be achievable.
• Could the farm benefit from diversification? Farm shops, tourism, leisure and other rural enterprises may provide additional income streams, subject to planning considerations.
• Are there underused or redundant buildings? Existing buildings may offer opportunities for alternative uses or redevelopment, depending on their condition, location and planning history.
• Is there a genuine need for a rural worker’s dwelling? Where a business has changed or expanded, it may be worth reviewing whether existing residential arrangements continue to meet its operational needs.

Taking a Strategic Approach
The latest NPPF changes underline the importance of taking a strategic approach to rural planning.

Planning should not only be considered when you are ready to make your next application. Understanding the planning potential and constraints affecting a farm or rural business can help inform decisions about investment, diversification, buildings, housing and succession.

If you would like to discuss the planning potential of your farm or rural property, please contact our experienced team on 01829 773000.

The post England’s New NPPF: What does it mean for Rural Businesses, Farms and Landowners? appeared first on Rostons.

Landowners in the area may have already been contacted for access to land for environmental surveys, and moving forwards, the scheme expect to have submit their DCO application in late 2023, with a decision by the Secretary of State on whether to approve the scheme in 2025 and construction commencing thereafter.

Those in the area will already be aware of the Awel Y Mor offshore windfarm, which is seeking on onshore cable route further to the east of Rhyl, from our experience representing a significant number of landowners and occupiers on this scheme, we recommend that those who may be affected by the routes identified engage with the scheme and register their concerns through the consultation process.

Please do not hesitate to contact Jonathan Bell at the office on 01829 773000 for more advice if you are affected by this scheme.

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To take access on to landowners and occupiers land, HS2 must enter into licences via negotiation. Rostons have been informed that these could be sent directly to you from June onwards.

There will be considerably more works than the previous round, resulting in more trial pits and boreholes. We advise liaising with ourselves in relation to the licence being sent to you and also, in relation to the process for any pre-entry meetings, access requirement and compensation.

We are also aware further Land Interest Questionnaires are being sent out directly to you. Please do not hesitate to contact Tom Selby, Jonathan Bell and Tony Rimmer at Rostons, in regards to this matter.

The post HS2 GROUND INVESTIGATION WORKS appeared first on Rostons.

The new Hybrid Bill once passed will grant HS2 the compulsory purchase powers to acquire land and buildings to construct the high-speed railway and all the associated road and utility diversions. The compulsory purchase powers will also include all the environmental mitigation measures such as tree planting, newt habitats and grasslands.

There will be several documents to be published, including the Environmental Statement and non-technical summary, and a significant number of maps and plans for the various areas affected by the scheme. These documents will be available online and at the number of HS2 Phase 2B public information events that will no doubt be held soon.

Once the Hybrid Bill has been read twice in the House of Commons, this will open up the petitioning period, whereby anyone who has property affected by the scheme, can petition against their proposals and ultimately be heard in front of the Select Committee at the House of Commons.

The timescales in relation to Phase 2B are as follows:

• The Petitioning period 12 – 18 months
• Royal Assent Spring 2026
• Early environmental planting and utility diversions late 2026/ early 2027
• Main construction of railway 2028
• Completion and the railway being operational 2035/36

It is worth taking into consideration that the Phase 2A Hybrid Bill was deposited in July 2017 and only received Royal Assent in February 2021, however this was due to General Elections and periods of Purdah.

Tom Selby of Rostons stated “It was proposed that the Hybrid Bill was to be deposited in late 2021, however was delayed. It is most frustrating for those property owners and occupiers on the Golborne Spur as this is still included in the bill but is still being reviewed by union connectivity review panel and yet to be confirmed. The key to petitioning is ensure that reasonable, practical requests are made and these have been evidenced with early engagement.”

The post HS2 – PHASE 2B – DEPOSITING OF HYBRID BILL appeared first on Rostons.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is similar to previous small productivity grants such as CPSG, but the grant has been improved based on feedback. The number of eligible items has increased to 120, with equipment such as Slurry Separators, Robotic Slurry Pusher/Collector, Dribble Bar, Livestock handling facilities, Direct Drills and GPS light bars amongst the list. The minimum grant amount is £2000 with a maximum of £25,000 making it a much more inclusive option this time round. The deadline for application is the 7th January 2022.

The Farming Transformation Fund (FTF) is a fund providing grants towards large capital items, with the aim to improve productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The grant will be released in three rounds: Water Management, Improving Farm Productivity and Adding Value with the minimum grant amount being £35,000 and the maximum £500,000. The first phase ‘Water Management Grant’ includes water storage reservoirs, abstraction pumps and pipework, water meters and boom or trickle irrigators. Applications are open and will close on the 12th January 2022.

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Potential route corridors have been identified from Stanlow Refinery to Warrington, Manchester and Northwich as the first steps for 90km of new pipeline supplying Hydrogen from a Production Plant at Stanlow, for use in industry and transport in Cheshire and eventually further afield.

Access for environmental surveys can be expected from early 2022, with Ground Investigations commencing towards the end of the year. The planning application for this phase is expected to be submitted in Spring 2023.

The first phase, carrying CO2 in a pipeline from Stanlow Refinery to Flint and then out into the Liverpool Bay gas fields for underground storage is preparing for the submission of its DCO Planning Application in the New Year, likely to be February/March. The planning process is likely to take 18-24 months, with construction expected to commence from 2025 onwards. As the scheme is still undergoing design changes, particularly in the Mollington area, some landowners may still be receiving licences to expand the survey area.

The post 90KM PIPELINE FOR PHASE 2 OF HYNET NORTH WEST ANNOUNCED appeared first on Rostons.

As it stands, agreements will run for a 3 year term, which is different to how BPS is currently handled but similar to a Countryside Stewardship Agreement.

In 2022, the standards that can be applied for are:

The Arable & Horticultural Soil Standard 

Introductory payment – £28 / Ha

Intermediate payment – £40 / ha

Advanced payment – TBC in 2023

The Improved Grassland Soil Standard 

Introductory payment – £28 / Ha

Intermediate payment – £58 / Ha

Advanced – TBC

The Moorland & Rough Grazing Standard

Introductory payment – £148 / Ha

Intermediate payment – TBC

Advanced payment – TBC

They will also pay for an annual health and welfare review for livestock.

More standards will be added over time.

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In all sectors, the market has been strong but in recent months, caution has crept in amongst perspective buyers.

The key is setting realistic guides, creating interest and then maximising that interest to obtain premium values. 

In our experience, getting the offer and acceptance is often the easy first step.  The work that is involved in the background to get from acceptance of offer to legal completion is very time consuming and we pride ourselves on keeping both vendors and purchasers updated on progress.

If you are thinking of selling, then please contact the Rostons team and we can ensure the right person attends to give you a market appraisal and advise how Rostons quality service can benefit you in selling your property.

The post PROPERTY SALES appeared first on Rostons.

Our first sale for 2022 will require entries in by Friday 14th January, sale runs from 19th – 26th January.

We also have two on Farm Dispersals of farm equipment booked for February/March.

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