Christopher is a key advisor to landowners, farmers and rural land-owning institutions. He prides himself on providing clear advice in simple terms, offering solutions to both complex and everyday problems encountered by farmers, landowners and their families. He guides farming families through issues relating to succession to key assets and tax planning and, over 40 plus years, continues to guide the 3rd and 4th generation on their affairs.
Christopher has a particular specialism in advising on strategic land projects. He advises landowners on a wide range of option and promotion agreements to bring forward land for development and is experienced in advising groups of owners on equalising development gains and the property and tax intricacies of selling land for development.
He also boasts expertise in relation to farms and landed estates transactions, offering over 40 years’ experience in agricultural landlord and tenant problems and tenants as well as freehold owners on business restructuring for inheritance tax planning purposes.
The growing climate change emergency places renewables at the top of the agenda for governments and energy companies, so there are plenty of opportunities for those with land in the right place and the willingness to make a long-term commitment.
We have extensive experience in guiding landowners through the tricky but potentially lucrative process of agreeing a renewable energy project with an energy company or developer. By renewables, we mean all types of renewable energy including solar parks, offshore and onshore wind turbines, hydro-electric schemes, and anaerobic digesters.
We have advised landowners in the UK on dozens of renewables agreements, from start to finish. Consequently, we can advise on the both the key commercial points and the more specialist concerns of landowners and farmers. For example, on the one hand we can ensure that they benefit from future advances in technology that could increase the generating capacity of the project, or push back against unreasonable demands not to negotiate with other developers on neighbouring land. On the other hand, we can create and unravel tenancy structures, so land is held efficiently, or ensure that ancient trees are protected.
When acting for landowners, we work closely with their existing advisers (including the retained lawyers, agents, and accountants) to bring complicated deals over the line. We meet landowners, inspect their potential sites, and help with the process of interviewing and selecting a business partner, whether it be a land promoter or an energy company. We offer a dedicated team who will see the project through all its stages, providing continued support and advice as it progresses.
What we advise on:
Acquiring strategic land and assembling suitable sites for renewable energy projects
Advising on approaches and initial approaches from developers
Pro-actively approaching energy companies and other interested parties
Coordinating with fellow landowners on joint renewable energy project
Advising on title issues including restrictive covenants, easements and wayleaves
Negotiating option agreements and leases that set out the renewable energy project terms
Surrendering and granting tenancy agreements to fit with the renewable energy project and ensure land is held most efficiently
Planning advice on the planning application and implementation of planning consent
Tax advice to manage the most efficient use of the proceeds from the renewable energy project
Ongoing monitoring of the agreement, implementation of its terms and handling disputes arising from it
Enforcing decommissioning provisions at the end of the term
As a former farmer, Andrew brings a valuable understanding of the issues facing agricultural clients. Ranked in The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for Agriculture and Estates and Band 1 in Chambers UK for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, he is recognised for his strategic approach and extensive experience in the sector.
Working with individuals, families, landowners and trusts, Andrew has advised on some of the largest and most complex land transactions in the market, many involving significant tax considerations. His expertise is frequently applied to multidisciplinary projects, where he brings together specialists to help clients navigate complex legal and regulatory issues. He regularly works alongside colleagues in the Family, Corporate Tax, Private Client and Landed Estates teams.
Andrew also acts as a trustee for a number of large family trusts and landowning families and serves as a director of numerous family-owned businesses.
Polly advises landowners on development and renewable energy projects, with extensive experience negotiating agreements for schemes ranging from small-scale developments to large and complex projects. She has a strong understanding of the sale and purchase of rural property, including commercial farms, country estates, rural properties and heritage assets. Polly also specialises in natural capital matters, advising landowners on biodiversity net gain (BNG) agreements and contracts for natural capital projects.
Polly provides commercial and practical advice, working closely with clients to protect their interests and identify potential issues at an early stage. She focuses on negotiating clear and effective agreements that help minimise risk and provide certainty throughout a project or transaction.
She works closely with colleagues across the firm, including specialists in Private Client, Tax, Corporate, Planning and Banking and Finance, to provide joined-up advice tailored to her clients’ objectives.
Recognised as a ‘Top Recommended Lawyer’ in Spear’s 500 2023, Polly is also a member of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), helping her stay up to date with developments in rural policy and the evolving rural economy.
Praised by clients for his ‘vast array of experience in high‑value acquisitions and disposals in the agricultural sector’ (Chambers 2024), Henry is a Partner and Head of Rural Land and Business.
A ‘Hall of Fame’‑ranked partner (Legal 500 2025), he is at the forefront of high‑value estate, farm and country house purchases, and other related property issues. He is very closely involved with succession and estate planning, along with tax matters. Henry lives and breathes the countryside, with a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities that rural landowners face. He has an extensive network that he is constantly developing to support his clients.
Henry’s depth of knowledge, experience and skill is complemented by his enthusiasm for client care, communication and building long‑term relationships. Maintaining a positive mindset, he is pragmatic and efficient, an effective problem‑solver who always aims to expedite transactions.
Henry is a team player who enjoys working alongside colleagues, other advisers and clients.
