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Iain Halls
Sep, 02 2026Ceres Group and Stanfords have announced a strategic agreement that will see Stanfords’ Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams join Ceres Group from 1st October 2026, creating one of the region’s largest advisory teams serving rural businesses, landowners, farmers, developers and investors. The move brings together Stanfords’ long-established presence across Essex and Suffolk with […]
James Firth
Aug, 17 2026The 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). […]
Alex Jelley
Jul, 10 2026More 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 […]
Iain Halls
Jun, 12 2026Strengthening Our Presence Across East Anglia Ceres Group has recently opened a new office in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, further strengthening our presence across East Anglia, including Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. This expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting landowners, rural businesses and property clients across the East of England. The region has long been a […]
Shaun Spalding
Nov, 27 2025The 2025 Budget brings a range of changes – some positive, some challenging – across the rural landscape. The full transferability of the £1 million APR and BPR bands between spouses is welcome and provides more flexibility for succession planning. However, increased minimum wages will put additional strain on farm businesses, especially those relying on seasonal or […]
Dominic O’Loghlen
Nov, 27 2025At Ceres Property, we believe the best opportunities arise when expertise meets ambition. We are therefore pleased to announce the launch of our new Development & Planning team, based in our Oxford and Newbury offices. This expansion strengthens Ceres Property’s presence across the western region, covering Oxfordshire, the Midlands, Berkshire, Hampshire, the Cotswolds and Buckinghamshire. […]
Edward Rout
Aug, 06 2025As rural and agricultural business advisors, we welcome the opportunity to review the government’s recently published draft legislation outlining changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), released as part of the upcoming Finance Bill. These reforms represent a significant shift in the Inheritance Tax (IHT) landscape for landowners, farmers, and business […]
James Firth
May, 27 2025The Government has released a new working paper and technical consultation. These aim to speed up build out and improve delivery. Government Calls on Developers Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urged developers to “roll up their sleeves and play their part.” She stressed that the Government backs “the builders, not the blockers.” Build Out Reporting […]
David Fletcher
Apr, 28 2025Ceres Group Respond To: UK Land Use Framework Consultation The UK Government recently consulted on a Land Use Framework for England, seeking views on how land can be used to balance competing demands including food production, environmental outcomes and development. Ceres Group submitted a public response during the consultation phase, drawing on our experience across […]
James Firth
Mar, 14 2025The Government is moving ahead with changes to Planning Fees in England. These changes will affect projects for landowners, farmers, and developers. Incremental Fee Increases First, the changes introduce incremental increases for most types of applications. The rise equals 1.7%. In addition, the Government plans annual fee increases going forward. Prior Approval Fees Double Alongside […]