Strategy to maintain council-owned farms backed

Many farms in the council's region are said to be in a poor state according to a report which sets out a new strategy

A former authority has been blamed for years of neglect at more than 5,000 acres of council-owned farms.

Many sites in the Dorset Council region are said to be in a poor state and in need of investment and urgent maintenance according to a report which sets out a new strategy.

Hill Forts and Upper Tarrants councillor Sherry Jespersen said it should put right the years of neglect by the previous Dorset County Council.

Dorset County, East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth & Portland and West Dorset councils merged in 2019.

Ms Jespersen told the latest cabinet meeting that Dorset Council should not shy away from investing in its farms estate.

"The reason our farms are in such poor condition is because of neglect by the previous council... over decades.

"We have a responsibility now to put that right by spending some money – but it will be difficult to make that case when considered against children's and other services, but please don't dismiss it out of hand.

"It is the predecessor council's fault that they got into such a bad state."

Marshwood Vale councillor Simon Christopher called on the council to address what he described as a growing crisis in rural areas for farms and the businesses that rely on them.

He said at the recent national dairy show at the Bath & West showground he had found the industry in turmoil.

"Dorset Council farmers need every support and assistance with their rents… it is a feeder ground to go on to other farms.

"Is enough attention given to rural areas in this chamber when there is so much decline in this county?"

Deputy leader and assets portfolio holder Richard Biggs told the meeting that each farm would be kept under periodic review and sales would be considered if it was believed to be the best course of action.

He said that some farms had been poorly managed or remained empty for too long, and finding the balance on the length of tenancies had been one of the problems.

"But we now have a strategy where there wasn't one since 2021 and it shows we are serious and committed to the farming industry," he said.

The meeting unanimously backed the 10-year Farms Estate Strategy which includes about £12m of investment to tackle urgent repairs and modernise holdings.

In a statement on the policy the council said it "recognises the challenges farmers face – rising costs, uncertain markets, and the need to adapt to environmental and business changes – and is committed to working with farmers and rural communities to provide the support they need".