Somerset Council has sold close to 300 acres of its farmland over the past three years, raising more than £9.1 million to help fund essential local services. Recent figures obtained by Somerset Live through a freedom of information request reveal that the council’s farm estate has decreased from 53 holdings covering 2,995 acres in April 2023 to just 33 holdings across 2,696 acres by April 2026.
The council, which was recently directed by the government to improve its financial situation, agreed in November 2023 to review its county farms as part of a broader assessment of its assets, land, and property holdings. It has received special permission to use the proceeds from farm sales to support day-to-day services such as adult social care.
The largest holding remaining under the council’s management is the Donyatt farm near Chard, spanning approximately 1,206 acres. This includes the 83-acre Pond Farm located between Ilminster and Chard. Previously, the council sold a small five-acre portion of Pond Farm along with ancillary buildings. In April 2024, it placed the farm’s three-bedroom bungalow and an additional 45 acres of pastureland on the market with an asking price of £925,000. The council plans to retain around 31.3 acres of land, which could be leased to tenant farmers or potentially used for rewilding projects.
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In August 2023, Lawrence Farm, a 75-acre livestock and residential farm situated on the edge of Wincanton near the A303, was also put up for sale for over £1.3 million. The property includes a detached farmhouse and a range of livestock buildings, with the farmhouse remaining vacant since March following the tenant’s departure.
When asked about how the proceeds from farm sales would be used, the council declined to disclose specific plans, citing “commercial sensitivity,” and noted that it does not hold detailed information regarding anticipated spending.
George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), expressed concerns about the long-term impact of selling council farm estates on local communities. He emphasised the importance of preserving access to farming for those lacking the capital to enter the private sector, especially as agriculture remains vital for food production and countryside management.
Mr Dunn argued that smallholding estates like Somerset’s should be regarded as national assets with coordinated management across the UK, warning against focusing solely on the capital value of land at the expense of community benefits. The TFA advocates for local authorities to adopt a more strategic approach to managing farm estates, which could yield both financial advantages and opportunities for aspiring farmers.