Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Agricultural Consultancy in Worcestershire
Carver Knowles is a dedicated rural property consultancy with extensive expertise in agricultural and environmental sectors. Our team of chartered surveyors and planning specialists provides tailored advice on land management, grant applications, and property development. With decades of combined experience, we support farmers and landowners in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, securing funding, and optimising asset value. Our services include planning consultancy, valuation, and expert witness testimony, underpinned by a deep understanding of rural economies. We prioritise client-centric solutions, ensuring compliance with evolving policies while maximising financial and operational benefits.Our track record in successful planning applications and agricultural grant submissions demonstrates our commitment to delivering practical, results-driven outcomes. Operating across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and beyond, we combine local knowledge with national expertise to address the unique challenges of rural businesses. Our transparent approach and focus on long-term partnerships have established us as a trusted advisor in the agricultural sector. We continuously adapt to industry changes, ensuring clients remain competitive and compliant in a dynamic regulatory landscape.
Services
Agricultural Grants
Planning Consultancy
Valuations
Land Management
Expert Witness
Rural Business Advice
Renewable Energy Projects
Agricultural Ties Removal
Basic Payment Scheme
Countryside Stewardship
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in agricultural planning and grant applications.
- Our team includes chartered surveyors with specialist knowledge of rural regulations.
- We provide tailored strategies to secure funding for environmental and business improvements.
- Our success rate in planning appeals demonstrates our deep understanding of local policies.
- We operate nationwide with a focus on Worcestershire and the West Midlands.
What people say
Successful planning applications
Professional team
Excellent service
Knowledgeable staff
Efficient solutions
Services
Agricultural Grants
We assist farmers in securing environmental and business improvement grants through schemes like Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive. Our expertise ensures applications meet eligibility criteria while maximising funding potential. Clients benefit from tailored strategies to enhance project viability and compliance.
Planning Consultancy
Our planning specialists guide clients through rural development applications, including agricultural dwellings and land use changes. We prepare detailed submissions aligned with local policies, increasing approval chances. Services cover pre-application advice, appeals, and condition removals for residential and commercial projects.
Agricultural Ties Removal
We specialise in removing restrictive agricultural occupancy conditions from properties, enhancing market value. Our two-step appraisal process identifies optimal removal strategies, including marketing exercises and policy-compliant applications. Clients receive nationwide support without property visits required.
Countryside Stewardship
We advise on Countryside Stewardship applications to secure income through habitat creation and environmental management. Our guidance covers option selection, compliance requirements, and income optimisation strategies. Clients benefit from our understanding of evolving DEFRA policies and scheme integration with farm business plans.
Expert Witness
Our chartered surveyors provide expert testimony in rural property disputes, including boundary issues and valuation disagreements. We prepare court-compliant reports and act as single joint experts, combining technical knowledge with procedural adherence to support litigation outcomes in agricultural and rural contexts.
People
Andrew Troughton
Chartered Surveyor
Andrew has 20+ years of experience in rural property consultancy, specialising in agricultural grants and planning appeals. He leads complex funding applications and provides expert witness testimony across the UK.
Chris Ashley
Land Agent
Chris manages land and estate portfolios, focusing on valuation, tenancy advice, and rural business restructuring. His expertise spans property transactions and strategic asset management for agricultural enterprises.
Ellen Freeman
Planning Consultant
Ellen specialises in rural planning applications, with a focus on agricultural dwellings and renewable energy projects. She has secured numerous planning consents for clients across the West Midlands.
Questions
What agricultural grants are currently available?
Current schemes include Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants, Sustainable Farming Incentive, and Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. We help identify and apply for the most suitable options.
How can I remove an agricultural occupancy condition?
We conduct a property appraisal to determine removal options, which may involve marketing exercises or policy-compliant applications. The process typically takes 12-18 months depending on local authority requirements.
Do you provide planning advice for rural businesses?
Yes, we offer comprehensive planning consultancy for agricultural developments, including change of use applications, barn conversions, and new rural dwellings.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Worcestershire, we operate nationwide with particular expertise in the West Midlands, South West, and East Anglia regions.
Can you help with Basic Payment Scheme claims?
We assist with annual BPS claims, crop diversification planning, and cross-compliance requirements, ensuring clients meet scheme obligations while maintaining eligibility for payments.
Reviews (4)
Timothy Osborne
Dec 05, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Amelia Sheldon from Carver Knowles recently advised me on obtaining residential planning on my agricultural barn which was dealt with professionally and quickly. Planning consent was applied for and approved and cannot fault the way in which it was dealt with. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others. Thank you.
Amelia Sheldon from Carver Knowles recently advised me on obtaining residential planning on my agricultural barn which was dealt with professionally and quickly. Planning consent was applied for and approved and cannot fault the way in which it was dealt with. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others. Thank you.
Anon Hereford
Oct 28, 2018
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I want to thank you for your kind assistance in obtaining 'permitted development' planning permission on the three barns. You clearly have a thorough knowledge of the workings of this government directive and you put that to good use on my behalf. I have battled with planners in the past to no avail and you seemed to do it all so simply. I cannot thank you enough for your very competent work.
Anna H.-L.
Oct 25, 2018
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Paid the full amount, and received very poor service. Can no longer trust them to submit the planning application. Very big disappointment. Would not recommend to my worst enemy
Anon Pershore
Aug 09, 2018
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A friend recommended contacting Carver Knowles as they had been successful in removing Ag Ties. To be honest we thought the chances of a successful outcome were slim but we had nothing to lose. After an initial consultation we were far more positive that it may be possible to remove the Ag Tie. The process is very straight forward with the major bonus of not placing the property on the market, we now have an Ag Tie free property. We would recommend undertaking a consultation with Carver Knowles.
