Spring Lane, Colchester, Essex

A mixed arable and grass farm high in amenity on the outskirts of the city of Colchester
Colchester 1 mile, Chelmsford 20 miles
(Distances are approximate)

Location
Cymbeline Farm is situated immediately to the west of the centre of the historic city of Colchester, within the northern A12 bypass. The principal access is The Chase Way which is in the ownership of the farm and which leads from Spring Lane,
a minor road connecting Lexden and West Bergholt. A second access is from Cymbeline Way also known at The Avenue of Remembrance.

The Property
Cymbeline Farm has strategic importance as being an unspoilt tract of traditional farmland in such proximity to the centre of the historic city of Colchester. Originally part of Lexden Lodge Farm, the property was acquired by Colchester City Council in 1988. Since then, there has been a focus on the enhancement of wildlife and nature whilst continuing as a commercial mixed farm. Historically, about half the farm was in arable cultivation with the balance being mostly permanent grass but in recent years the arable land has been to grass as part of a Stewardship
Scheme. The River Colne runs through the farm and adds to the amenity and conservation aspects of the farm.

The Farmland
The soils are Grade 3 Wix Series gravel loam with some Fladbury Series alluvium along the River Colne. Sloping gently from north to south, the farm is divided into easily worked arable fields to
the north and traditional lower lying grass fields along the river.
Historically, cropping has varied but in general the land use has been as follows:

Land Use
Arable 83.57 Acres
Grass 69.96 Acres
Woods 13.51 Acres
Yard 1.09 Acres
Cottage 0.17 Acres
Tracks 2.77 Acres
Water 3.75 Acres

Total 174.82 Acres

River Colne
The farm has over one mile of frontage to the River Colne, the majority of which is double bank. With careful management of banks and riverside planting, this has added to the amenity of the farm with traditional meadow grazing practiced in the fields either side.

Farm Buildings
At the farmyard there is a range of buildings:
Cattle building (18.10m x 9.20m) of portal frame
Cattle building (18.40m x 9.20m) of portal frame
Store shed (18.30m x 8.75m) of brick and slate
Store shed (30.70m x 4.60m) of brick and slate with felt over
Stables (8.40m x 4.00m) of block walls
Water tank shed (4.30m x 2.50m) of timber and slate

Planning
The property falls within Colchester City Council and is subject to policies:
• Public Open Space: over part of the permanent grassland.
• Local Wildlife Site: over the grassland.
• Scheduled Monument: a small area to the north of the
buildings which is part of the Lexden Dyke.
A screenshot showing these policies is available but interested parties should make their own independent investigations.

No 2 Moat Cottage
To the centre of the farm is the semi-detached cottage believed to date from 1892. Of brick and slate construction, the accommodation extends to two reception rooms, kitchen, shower room and lobby with two bedrooms and a boxroom above. Outside there is a south facing garden and a concrete surfaced parking area.

Services
Electricity: connected to the farm buildings and to the cottage.
Water: mains water is connected to the farm buildings and to the cottage.
Drainage: private drainage at the cottage is shared with the adjoining cottage with the tank in their garden. This may not comply with current regulations. Further information is being sought.

General
Method of sale: The land at is offered for sale by private treaty.

Tenure: Freehold.

Farming: The farmland together with the two cattle buildings and the cottage have been let to a local farming family with vacant possession on 29 September 2026. They may be willing to discuss continuing under a suitable arrangement.

Public Rights of Way: there are several footpaths as well as the Colchester Orbital Route crossing the farm.

Private Rights of Way: there are vehicular rights of way over
The Chase Way in favour of:
• Lexden Lodge: responsible for a fair and reasonable proportion of costs of repair up to their gate to the west of the buildings.
• 1 Red Brick Cottages: responsible for paying a proportion of maintenance over a short length of The Chase Way at the extreme western end.
• 1 Moat Cottage
• Charter Wood: this will be retained by Colchester City Council and they will be responsible for a proportion of maintenance over The Chase Way and the track between the buildings and Charter Wood according to user.

Entry level and Higher Level Stewardship Agreement: the Vendors have a live agreement which commenced on 1 March 2023 and expires on 29 February 2028. The agreement covers
a further block of land in their ownership. Further details are available.

Basic Payment: Entitlements to any Basic or De-Linked Payments relevant to the land offered for sale are excluded from the sale.

Sporting, Timber and Mineral Rights: All sporting and timber rights are included in the freehold sale insofar as they are owned.

Council Tax: No 2 Moat Cottage: Band A

EPC: No 2 Moat Cottage: Band F. Valid until 29 April 2036.
Potential Band A

Local Authority: Colchester City Council, Rowan House, 33 Sheepen Road, Colchester, Essex CO3 3WG

VAT: Any guide price quoted or discussed is exclusive of VAT. In the event that a sale of the property or any part of it or any right attached to it becomes a chargeable supply for the purposes of VAT such tax will be payable in addition.

Health & Safety: Given the potential hazards of a working farm we ask you to be as vigilant as possible when making your inspection for your own personal safety. All viewings and appointments are strictly by prior appointment with the vendor’s agent.

Viewings: Strictly by appointment with Strutt & Parker.
(Tim Fagan )