As we return to work, refreshed and energized to take on the year ahead, we want to wish all our clients, colleagues, and contacts a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Reflecting on 2024, it was a year of remarkable achievements yet significant challenges. The UK’s General Election marked a turning point, with Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party ending a 14-year Conservative tenure. October’s Budget under Rachel Reeves added complexity for many of our clients, particularly for those within the rural sector, highlighting the need for adaptability in the face of change.
In December, the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the updated Standard Method for calculating housing need offered a glimmer of hope for many of our clients. These changes aim to address the challenging planning climate and set the stage for the Government’s ambitious plans to "supercharge" housebuilding. However, meaningful progress will require Local Authorities to secure the investment and resources needed to process the anticipated surge in planning applications.
Despite these challenges, Newton LDP celebrated notable successes, including:
- We facilitated the sale of high-profile development sites in Chipping Norton, Ambrosden, Pickford Gate, Cawston, and Banbury.
- We transacted over 1,300 acres of agricultural land, navigating an evolving farmland market.
- We acquired land and development sites for retained clients.
- We completed many strategic land deals for clients.
- We secured the management of a 3,500 acre mixed rural property portfolio.
The resilience of the land and property markets remains clear, but challenges persist—particularly for rural businesses facing pressures from challenging weather, high costs, tax reform, uncertainty of Government support and evolving market dynamics. A willingness to adapt and a robust business strategy has never been more critical to build resilience, protect long-term asset values, and sustain profitability.
None of this would have been possible without the exceptional expertise, vision, and dedication of the Newton LDP team.
In 2024, our very first Graduate, Sam Jones, became a Chartered Surveyor after passing his APC in October - an incredible achievement.
We expanded our Rural Team with Charlotte Gore and Tracey Kirk joining us, bringing valuable Agribusiness expertise and administrative support.
We welcomed our first apprentice, Jessica Hopkins, who is pursuing a Rural Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship at Harper Adams University.
Towards the end of the year, Richard Sanders joined the team, whose extensive experience strengthens our strategic rural consultancy services.
Beyond the day job, our charitable efforts were a source of immense pride. The 2024 Newton LDP Charity Clay Shoot raised an outstanding £34,000 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), contributing to a total of £85,000 raised over the past three years. Additionally, we supported The Brightsides Atlantic Row, raising funds for Meningitis Now and the Get A-Head Charitable Trust along with various other charity and community initiatives.
Looking Ahead
2025 promises to be one of our busiest years yet. With an ever-expanding pipeline of land to market, numerous planning applications being submitted across our client’s strategic landholdings, and clients adapting to significant policy changes.
We continue to work closely with many clients and their advisers to pursue new markets and re-structure rural businesses to improve business resilience and adapt to proposed changes to Inheritance Tax. We are ready to seize these opportunities.
Having almost doubled the size of the team last year, we have further growth on the immediate horizon as we react to the growing demand for our expertise and services.
As we embark on this exciting year, we remain committed to delivering excellence, building lasting relationships, and helping our clients navigate the complexities of the land and property sectors.
We look forward to working with many of you in 2025 and beyond.