News & Insights

Our thoughts

From time to time, our experienced consultants take a moment to reflect on recent work, policy news or industry trends. Read what they have to say below and don’t forget, if you’d like to receive updates from us, including news and insights, business updates, and Ceres Publications, subscribe to mailing list.

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James Firth

James Firth

Aug, 17 2026
NPPF 2026: Key Planning Policy Changes & What They Mean for Development

The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has today been published, Monday 17th August. Following the consultation held in December 2025 the revised NPPF includes a significant re-write of the previous version. The new document includes both policies for plan-making and policies for use in the determination of planning applications through national decision-making policies (NDMPs). […]

Peter Mason

Peter Mason

Aug, 13 2026
Free Farm & Estate Valuation from Ceres Property

Do You Know What Your Farm or Estate Is Worth Today? The rural property market continues to evolve, making it more important than ever for landowners to understand the current value of their farm, estate or landholding. At Ceres Property, our experienced Farm Agency team offers free, no-obligation valuations for landowners across the region. Whether […]

Kathryn Roberts

Kathryn Roberts

Aug, 12 2026
EPC Changes for Landlords: What You Need to Know Before 2030

The government’s Warm Homes Plan has confirmed a major change to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements for the private rented sector. From 1st October 2030, rented homes in England and Wales will need to meet the equivalent of an EPC C rating, unless a valid exemption applies. This forms part of the wider Minimum Energy […]

Peter Mason

Peter Mason

Aug, 07 2026
Farmland Market Update Q2 2026: England Land Prices, Demand & Market Outlook

The first half of 2026 has been a tale of two quarters. Supply was slow to emerge early in the year, with prolonged wet weather during January and February delaying planned launches. The outbreak of war in the Middle East (28th February) then added to an already uncertain geopolitical backdrop, encouraging both buyers and vendors […]

Peter Cole

Peter Cole

Jul, 16 2026
New High Court Ruling on Survey Access: Why Landowners Need Early Compulsory Purchase Advice

A recent High Court judgement could have significant implications for landowners, farmers and rural businesses affected by major infrastructure, energy, transport and utility projects across England and Wales. The ruling may affect how developers and infrastructure promoters obtain access to land for surveys under statutory powers. The ruling highlights the importance of obtaining Compulsory Purchase […]

Alex Jelley

Alex Jelley

Jul, 10 2026
MORE THAN 200 LANDOWNERS GATHER IN VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S RURAL ECONOMY

More than 200 landowners, farmers, property and planning professionals gathered at Lamport Hall Estate this week in what Ceres Group has described as a strong vote of confidence in Northamptonshire’s rural economy and future growth prospects. The event followed the opening of Ceres Group’s Northampton office earlier this year and brought together so many to […]

Kathryn Brown

Kathryn Brown

Jul, 01 2026
2026 Updates to Biodiversity Net Gain: Key Changes for UK Development

Following a consultation last year, the Government has announced the changes that will be made to the BNG regime this year. By the end of July 2026, subject to parliamentary scheduling, the Government intends to: Introduce the new 0.2ha area-based exemption. Remove the existing exemption for small scale self-build and custom-build development. Exempt temporary planning […]

Sam Skinner

Sam Skinner

Jun, 17 2026
From Fields to Fulfilment Centres: How Logistics is Reshaping Rural Land Use

The UK’s logistics sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once viewed primarily as a supporting function within the wider economy, logistics has become a key driver of land demand, influencing planning policy, investment decisions and the future use of rural land across the country. From large-scale regional distribution centres serving national […]

Jeremy Dawson

Jeremy Dawson

May, 14 2026
Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) Succession Rule Changes

Key Changes to Succession on Death and/or Retirement to AHA Tenancy From 1 September 2024, significant changes to Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) succession rules came into force, following reforms mandated by the Agriculture Act 2020. These updates represent the most substantial shift in AHA succession law in decades and are designed to better reflect the […]

Ben Croll

Ben Croll

May, 06 2026
An insight into the first six months as a graduate development surveyor at Ceres Property

Six months into my role as a Graduate Surveyor within the Development team at Ceres Property provides a timely opportunity to reflect on my experience to date, the progress made, and the transition into professional practice. I graduated from the University of Reading last Summer with a BSc in Real Estate Planning and Development, before […]

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