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The two seminars look at “both sides of the BNG coin” in respect to the challenges facing landowners either going for planning permission, with changes to the NPPF and BNG framework, or creating the BNG units for these developments. The two are intrinsically linked, both needing each other, one providing the demand for BNG units and the other the supply. Townsend Chartered Surveyors are a traditional firm of rural surveyors founded by Hugh Townsend FRICS, FAAV, FCIArb in 1992 and provide a full range of land agency services throughout the UK. The firm is the leading independent RICS regulated broker of and consultant for creating Natural Capital assets – BNG, Nutrient Neutrality, Carbon Credits and Water Abstraction Licences.
The first of our two seminars will explore how farmers and landowners may look to realise long-term value from land suitable for development in what could be the best opportunity in years for obtaining planning permission. Our guest speakers, Helen Hutton and Elizabeth Newson from Michelmores solicitors, will provide an overview of the latest changes to planning policy and legislation which has increased the attractiveness of releasing land for development, and outline the different ways in which a Strategic Land transaction may be structured and documented. They will also share key considerations which landowners may be concerned with in the circumstances. Helen is a partner in Planning and Environmental law and is head of the firm’s Contentious Planning, Environment and Admin Law Team. A significant amount of Helen’s work focuses on negotiating planning agreements for land which is to be released for development. Elizabeth is a partner in their nationally recognised Strategic Land team. Elizabeth’s advice to landowners and landed estates is enhanced through her experience advising land promoters, regional and national housebuilders and local authorities due to her insight from acting on “both sides of the fence”. Michelmores has a nationally recognised Strategic Land team and one of the largest development teams, making it ideally placed to support landowners and rural businesses in bringing forward land for development.
Date: 23rd March 2026 Time: 17:30 – 20:00 Where: The Stockman’s, Exeter Livestock Market, Matford Park Rd, Exeter, EX2 8FD Park outside main entrance at grey pin – See location here Schedule: 17:30 – Arrive for refreshments and networking 18:00 – Seminar 19:30 – Q&A and networking 20:00 – Seminar close Who should attend? This event will be of interest to farmers, landowners, planners, developers, housebuilders, local councils, land agents, property consultants, ecologists, architects, and other industry professionals. Please contact us at enquiries@townsendcharteredsurveyors.co.uk with any questions about this seminar. To confirm a place please use the following link – RSVP
At the second of the two seminars David Marrow summarises what Government agricultural support remains available, highlighting the need to consider alternative sources of income, including the creation and sale of Natural Capital assets. Alasdair Squires will give an insight into the Habitat Bank creation process for BNG based on his day-to-day experience working with LPAs/RBs and landowners throughout England. Guest speaker Anna Parker from Michelmores will give a summary of the tax implications of BNG. Hugh Townsend will give an update on the BNG market drawing on experience from 40 years of trading land based intangible assets. Townsend Chartered Surveyors is the leading independent broker of BNG regulated by the RICS in England and is currently consulting on the creation of over 91 habitat banks in England and in the second half of 2025 brokered £7m worth of BNG unit sales. Anna is a Partner in the Tax, Trusts, and Succession team. Anna advises rural business owners and wealthy entrepreneurs on tax and estate planning issues, including passing assets to the next generation tax efficiently while retaining proper provision and control for the current generation. Anna’s practice has grown in recent years to encompass specialist tax and succession advice for landowners engaging in BNG schemes. Michelmores has a nationally recognised Tax, Trusts, and Succession team with significant experience advising Landed Estates making it ideally placed to support landowners and rural businesses with their BNG projects.
Date: 25th March 2026 Time: 17:30 – 20:00 Where: The Stockman’s, Exeter Livestock Market, Matford Park Rd, Exeter, EX2 8FD Park outside main entrance at grey pin – See location here Schedule: 17:30 – Arrive for refreshments and networking 18:00 – Seminar 19:30 – Q&A and networking 20:00 – Seminar close Who should attend? This event will be of interest to farmers, landowners, planners, developers, housebuilders, local councils, land agents, property consultants, ecologists, architects, and other industry professionals. Please contact us at enquiries@townsendcharteredsurveyors.co.uk with any questions about this seminar. To confirm a place please use the following link – RSVP |
