Gloucestershire County Council is facing significant criticism after announcing plans to continue the sale of council-owned farmland, a move described by some as “flogging off the family silver.” The Liberal Democrat leadership has agreed to proceed with updating and implementing the authority’s rural estate strategy, originally established under the previous Conservative administration in 2016.
The existing plan, which runs until 2030, includes a policy of “progressive rationalisation” with a target to maintain around 5,600 acres of farmland across approximately 40 holdings. However, this approach has sparked concerns among some councillors and members of the public.
Green Party councillor Chloe Turner, representing Minchinhampton, openly criticised the decision. She pointed out that the Liberal Democrats had previously supported motions advocating for an “acre for acre” replacement policy, whereby one acre of farmland would be purchased for every acre sold. Councillor Turner highlighted that in February 2022, the Liberal Democrats proposed such a policy revision, and in July 2022, they supported a Green Party motion to maintain the current acreage.
READ MORE: Top food critic hails Zonda pizza at Cotswolds pub as ‘My UK pizza of the year’
READ MORE: ‘Golden opportunity’ to scrap controversial A417 and A40 new towns in Gloucestershire
She expressed disappointment that the current cabinet, including Liberal Democrat members of the Rural Estate Task Group, seemed to have moved away from this stance. Councillor Turner emphasised that constituents might reasonably expect the Lib Dem administration to preserve and potentially expand the county’s farm assets, given their previous support.
In a written question, she queried Cabinet Member for the Rural Estate, Councillor Colin Hay, about his change in position and asked whether the council had undertaken a thorough audit of its extensive built estate to identify potential sales before considering further disposals of farmland.
Responding in writing, Councillor Hay clarified that the refreshed rural estate plan does not solely focus on land sales. A significant part of the update involves developing a formal acquisitions policy to identify opportunities to purchase land that aligns with the council’s strategic priorities.
“While this is not an explicit ‘acre for acre’ replacement policy,” he stated, “it establishes a flexible delivery model allowing the council to acquire land where strategic, environmental, operational or financial benefits are anticipated.”
Councillor Hay further explained that the goal is to ensure the rural estate remains fit for purpose, financially sustainable, and capable of delivering diverse outcomes, including supporting new farmers and enhancing the environment. He also noted that the council regularly reviews its wider property portfolio and that rationalisation efforts are part of a comprehensive strategic approach beyond just rural properties.