Introduction

Norfolk County Council’s farms estate portfolio covers 16,200 acres of farmland across the county of Norfolk, and is let to over 145 tenants. In spite of rationalisation from its peak size of nearly 32,000 acres in the late 1940s, the Estate in Norfolk remains the third largest in England. The 65 individual estates spread from West Walton in the West to Hopton in the East, Hindringham in the North and Carleton Rode in the South.

Together they provide:

• Income for the County Council through rent paid by tenants
• Capital receipts from sales of surplus land and buildings
• Opportunities for individuals to farm for themselves
• Opportunities for diversification that enhance the rural economy
• Opportunities for outdoor learning
• Improved biodiversity through the creation of new environmental features and the protection and improvement of existing habitats
• Improved public access through woodland and over farmland.

The income from the estate is available to be spent in the County on schools, roads, and other services that the Council provides. As such it is a valuable part of the Council's financial planning, and helps to reduce the burden on taxpayers in Norfolk.

NPS Group are the managing agents for the estate, and in addition provide strategic advice to the County Council.