Stewards Elm Farm Lane, Rochford, SS4

The land lies south of Stewards Elm Farm Lane and is reached by a track from the lane. It offers the chance to create a base for an agricultural or haymaking enterprise, with approval for close to 5,020 sq ft of purpose-designed buildings around a shared gravel yard.

The approved main barn would extend to approximately 3,300 sq ft. It is designed as a hay store for 1,280 small bales and a separate farm machinery store, with five shuttered bays and generous 6 m eaves.

A second approved block would provide four roller-shuttered units of approximately 430 sq ft each (1,720 sq ft total), shown on the plans for hay, fertiliser and sprayer storage and a generator store.

The site will also appeal to investors and developers. Once built, the barns could be let to agricultural occupiers to provide a rental income, in line with the agricultural conditions of the approvals. In the longer term, once the 10-year agricultural use period has passed, the site may offer potential as a building plot, subject to planning permission.

Agricultural land may also qualify for 100% Agricultural Property Relief from inheritance tax, on qualifying assets up to £2.5 million, subject to the relevant conditions being met.

Rochford is the nearest town, and the village setting sits within easy reach of Southend and the wider south Essex road network.

KEY FEATURES

- Approximately 14.8 acres (5.99 hectares) of grassland
- Previously used for equestrian purposes
- Planning approved for a 3,300 sq ft hay and machinery barn (25/00648/DPDP6)
- Planning approved for a block of four storage units, approximately 1,720 sq ft in total (25/00858/DPDP6)
- Approved layout includes a self-binding gravel yard and access track
- Potential rental income from agricultural lettings once built
- Potential to add further units on the site, subject to planning
- Longer-term potential as a building plot after the 10-year agricultural period, with possible scope for further dwellings, subject to planning
- May qualify for 100% Agricultural Property Relief on up to £2.5 million, subject to conditions
- Water on site, an electricity pylon in the field and a running ditch, offering potential for future connections
- Access via Stewards Elm Farm Lane, with a shared section at the lane end

Hay and Machinery Barn
Dimensions: 25.72 m x 11.94 m
Approximate area: 3,300 sq ft (307 sq m)
Specification: Hay store of about 15 m and machinery store of about 10 m; five shuttered bays of 4.75 m; 6.0 m eaves and 7.15 m ridge; 1.3 m blockwork base.

Four-Unit Storage Block
Dimensions: 20.0 m x 8.0 m overall
Approximate area: 1,720 sq ft (160 sq m) overall; about 430 sq ft per unit
Specification: Four roller-shuttered units; black metal roof and horizontal cladding; low blockwork base.

PLANNING AND SALE DETAILS

Planning: Planning is in place for agricultural buildings only. No buildings have been constructed, and any purchaser would be responsible for building them. Any residential or other non-agricultural use would require planning permission. Interested parties should review the approvals and conditions and make their own enquiries of Rochford District Council, including on Green Belt policy and flood risk.

Tax: Interested parties should take independent tax advice on whether Agricultural Property Relief would apply to their circumstances.

Tenure: Freehold

VAT: No VAT

Services: There is water on site. An electricity pylon in the field offers potential for a future electricity connection, and a running ditch offers potential for the future connection of a sewage treatment plant. No services have been tested, and any connections would be subject to the relevant supplier and regulatory approvals.

Local authority: Rochford District Council

Disclaimer: Whilst every care is taken to ensure that these particulars are correct, accuracy is no way guaranteed and none of the information supplied forms part of any contract. Acceptance of these particulars constitutes a contract to the effect that all negotiations for the business or property will be made through Gilbert & Rose otherwise the purchaser will be equally responsible with the vendor for damages equal to the amount of our commission.