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| Extracting value from quarry land and property |
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As mineral extraction companies first and foremost, land issues have historically fallen fairly low down the business agenda.
 A mineral extraction company will typically have a varied mix of property assets, including key operational land and sites; agricultural, commercial or residential land leased to tenants; land awaiting development; surplus property held pending a decision whether to sell or not; and land which has been restored as part of the landscape and in line with environmental requirements of the local planning authority. Yet, how often do companies review their complex mix of business land and property and the rationale for keeping it as it is? Surprisingly, only a small number of mineral extraction companies have put in place asset management plans which provide both an overview of their current property, and also set out the company’s land ownership objectives. Such plans not only enable mineral extraction companies to better understand the value, suitability and condition of assets, but also highlight any potential rationalisation or management opportunities for surplus property assets, enabling additional rental or capital sales to be generated. Engineering flexibility from agricultural land banks The property holding for any mineral extraction company is one of its key assets, so the ability to manage it effectively and engineer flexibility from it to meet operational aims is becoming crucial. Bruton Knowles helps mineral extraction companies to put in place appropriate systems and processes to maximise the value of its holdings. Added value can often be derived from land and property just through straightforward and practical housekeeping, such as checking and assessing tenancy terms; monitoring tenant arrangements in accordance with agricultural legislation; reviewing rental and payment levels; managing service charge accounts; assessing security of tenure; undertaking inspections and compliance checks; planned maintenance schedules. The effect of these standard processes on cash flow and capital values can not be underestimated. The speed and ease with which land transactions and negotiations complete with tenants and farmers and the successful adherence to project deadlines and budgets can be vital to the success of any project, whether it is obtaining access to land or purchasing additional land for mineral extraction work. It is vital for companies to obtain access to the land in the timescale they require without the risk of substantial claims for disturbance compensation from the occupier. Bruton Knowles works with a number of mineral extraction companies to provide technical and specialist skills to ensure appropriate occupational agreements are in place to enable the company to recover possession of land in an acceptable period, minimising the need to pay disturbance compensation. The holding of non-operational property - which lies outside the direct requirements of a mineral extraction company’s operation - can lead to potential problems for the business without effective management. Non-operational land is sometimes required to demonstrate high environmental and conservation awareness in the use of property, partly as a means to secure development of the core site and partly to promote the core business within the community. Proactive management and positive relations with tenants can enable mineral extraction companies to influence the way the land is farmed and promote environmentally-friendly practices. This in turn can enable companies to impress the local authority and local community with its environmentally-friendly stance, and can often enable them to more easily obtain planning consent for other diversified activities. BK has advised mineral extraction companies and farming tenants on bio diversity plans, grass land and woodland management, often involving DEFRA and other environmental groups. The complexity of legislation that affects occupation of any land and property requires help from property specialists. Assess your property requirements by answering the following questions:
Talk to Bruton Knowles about your property issues, whether it relates to property management, professional rating skills, compensation issues, building services or planning and development advice. Contact Richard Atkinson on 01452 880105, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Nigel Billingsley on 01159 347 093, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |
