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"BEAUTIFULLY SITUATED COMMERCIAL ARABLE FARM WITH EXCELLENT RANGE OF MODERN FARM BUILDINGS.

Description

Situation
Witton Hall Farm lies to the south of the A691 Durham to Consett road, only 4 miles north west of the city of Durham, and 7 miles south of Chester Le Street. The A1 lies 6.5 miles to the east and the main east coast rail line can be joined in Durham. The farm is well situated to gain access to the facilities, schools and leisure opportunities in the historic city of Durham, as well as to Weardale and the North Pennines.

Introduction
The sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire a large commercial farming opportunity lying within a ring fence within very attractive natural countryside, yet only 4 miles from the city of Durham. There is good access directly from the roundabout on the A691.

The land which is predominantly under arable production is supported by an excellent and extensive range of modern farm buildings designed to support a larger farming enterprise including approximately 6,000 tonnes of grain storage, but suitable for a variety of storage purposes.

The River Browney which meanders through the farm, provides a beautiful, natural setting for the farm which is enhanced by the well established woodlands and shelterbelts which enhance the conservation, amenity and sporting value of the farm. Whilst the arable land is mainly in good sized fields, the farm naturally lends itself to inclusion within environmental stewardship schemes, and includes a site with potential for BNG.

Farms of this scale and diversity, together with a first class range of buildings are extremely rare in such a private and accessible location. Additional land may be available to rent by negotiation.

Farm Buildings
Following the re location of the farm steading out of the village, a new set of buildings were constructed offering over 2,500 m sq of first class mainly general purpose clear span storage buildings including approximately 6,000 tonnes of grain storage. A 22 tonne per hour Alvan Blanch grain dryer was installed in 2017 together with associated conveyors and reception intake pit.

Land
The land which extends to approximately 454 acres lies largely within a ring fence, divided only by the River Browney which forms an attractive natural feature through the farm. The 381 acres of arable land is mainly level or gently sloping with the farm lying largely between 80 and 100 metres above sea level. The soils are classified as grade 3 including a mixture of brick field 3 and alun soil types which consist of predominately loamy and clay surface water soils and coarse loamy alluvial soils. The arable rotation is based on wheat, spring barley and oats, although the farm is currently entered into an SFI scheme as well as a mid tier stewardship scheme due to expire this year. As a result the current cropping includes approximately 150 acres of legume fallow which is due to come out this autumn, but which will have given the soils a valuable break crop.

The 39 acres of grassland mainly comprises a single valley and adjoining fields towards the western end of the farm which is grazed by cattle. On the western edge of the farm there is a former compound site of 2.7 acres owned by Northumbrian Water which the vendors rent on an annual basis, and which may be available to the purchaser.

Woodland & Conservation
A particular feature of the farm is the high natural landscape value as a result of the natural contour, the woodlands, shelterbelts, and double bank fishing on the River Browney which meanders through the centre of the farm. The woodland not only enhances the landscape, but adds to the sense of privacy and acts as a wildlife corridor. Whilst currently farmed commercially, the farm does lend itself to continued inclusion in stewardship and other environmental land management schemes as they become available.

A survey identified potential for up to 70 BNG units on the farm, and this is something which could be followed up by the purchaser.




Acreage 454.21 Acres

Additional Info

Nearest Postcode DH7 6SU

Directions The farm should be approached by the A691. There is a roundabout at the western end of Witton Gilbert and the private farm track leads directly off the roundabout onto the farm and to the buildings.

Rights of Way, Easements and Wayleaves The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all wayleaves, easements and rights of way whether public or private whether mentioned or not. There is a public footpath running north to south through the farm, mainly following the existing track, but splitting into 2 towards the southern boundary. A bridleway follows part of the southern boundary of the farm and can be seen on the County Durham Definitive Rights of Way map.

There is a right of way over the farm track in so far as it leads to the sewage works. There is secondary access onto the farm from the west boundary off Wallnook Lane.

The vendors will reserve a personal right to use the track leading to the A691 roundabout from their homesteading and the track east of 0S 2421 to access retained land.

Services Mains electricity single phase . Mains metred water supply.

Separate meters will need to be installed for both. There is a small septic tank servicing the WC at the buildings. The 2 liquid fertiliser tanks are not owned.

Local Authority Durham County Council

Subsidies and Grants The land is registered on the Rural Land Registry, the seller will claim and retain any remaining de linked payments.

The purchaser will indemnify the vendor against any noncompliance from the date of completion.

Environmental Stewardship The land is entered into a Sustainable Farming Incentive SFI agreements which will be terminated upon completion of the sale. The mid term stewardship agreement also terminates this year.

Mines and Mineral Rights The mines and minerals rights are reserved to a third party subject to compensation in the event of damage caused.

Sporting Rights The sporting and fishing rights are included in the sale in so far as they are owned but will be exercised by the vendors for 5 years.

Overage OS Numbers 3542, 7461, 8237, 2239 and 1447 are sold subject to an Overage agreement whereby the vendors and their successors will be entitled to 50% of any uplift in value as a result of implementation of any planning consent for non agricultural use for 50 years. The purchaser will however be permitted to build a farmhouse on the property without triggering an Overage payment.

Tenure The freehold of the property is offered for sale with vacant possession on completion, except for reasonable holdover as required for storage of crops in the buildings, clearing the workshop and holding a Machinery sale.

Method of Sale The property is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to register their interest with Savills.

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Viewing Strictly by appointment with the sole selling agents, Savills York .

Health and Safety Given the potential hazards we would ask you to be as vigilant as possible when inspecting the property for your own personal safety."