Bare land currently farmed under a Contract Farming Agreement, extending to approximately 83.96 Ha (207.46 Ac) and a small block of broadleaved Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland named Ryhope Dene.
For sale by private treaty as a whole or in up to two lots.

Lot 2: Agricultural Land & Woodland

SITUATION

The coastal town of Seaham benefits from a variety of attractions including coastal footpaths and picturesque beaches, such as Nose’s Point and Blast Beach.

Further attractions include Seaham Hall and Dalton Shopping Park which are located nearby. The Durham Coast railway provides excellent commuting facilities to Durham, Newcastle and wider networks.

The property benefits from five access points as depicted by the arrows shown on the site plan included within these particulars. Four of these access points are located off Stockton Road (the B1285 public highway) and one is located off Lord Byron’s Walk at the southern end of the property.

DESCRIPTION

Seaham Grange Farm extends to approximately 85.20 Ha (210.52 Ac) and is an operational arable farm with development potential. Included in the sale is Dalton House, a modern agricultural building (Lot 1) and bare agricultural land (Lot 2).

Seaham Grange Farm is offered for sale subject to an Option Agreement as summarised in the Planning and Development section of these sale particulars.

The purchasers of Seaham Grange could have the flexibility to farm in-hand, under a Contract Farming Agreement or by renting the land to a third-party.

LOT 2
AGRICULTURAL LAND & WOODLAND

Lot 2 comprises a block of agricultural land extending approximately to 83.96 Ha (207.46 Ac). The land supports arable farming activities, as well as an element of environmental stewardship via a Higher Level Stewardship Agreement and woodland. The Land comprises predominantly arable land, with one field of permanent grassland and a belt of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland along the northern perimeter.

The arable land at Seaham Grange Farm is classified as Grade 3 sandy clay loam by DEFRA. The Durham Coast Railway Line runs along the eastern border of the property.

Lot 2 includes the majority of the area included in the Option Agreement as per the plan in the Planning and Development pages of these particulars.

The Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland extends to approximately 3.35 Ha (8.28 Ac) and is designated as part of Ryhope Dene Local Wildlife Site. Ryhope Dene is a characteristic woodland in the area, being predominantly Ash, Elm and Sycamore tree species. The woodland is included in a Woodland Management Plan which divides the woodland in to four manageable compartments.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

The County Durham Plan was adopted in October 2020. The site is not allocated in the plan and is located within the Green Belt. However, there is a requirement to keep housing delivery under review. Given the Government’s drive to encourage new house building, it is likely that new allocations for housing will need to be sought and there will be further opportunities to promote this site as a location for sustainable development. The site is located on the fringe of the urban area with excellent access to employment, shops, services, facilities and transport routes.

OPTION AGREEMENT

Approximately 29.03 Ha (71.72 Ac) of the Land is under an Option Agreement. Interested parties will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to receive further information on the Option Agreement, signed in December 2017, for 3 periods totalling 15 years. Once planning permission is secured, the Option land may be purchased by the Developer at 80% of the Market Value, subject to a minimum price of £200,000 per acre.

CLAWBACK

Part A
On the enclosed plan, the property for sale identified as Part A extends to approximately 42.5 Ha (105 Ac).

Part A is sold subject to a clawback of 65% of any uplift in value from agricultural use for 50 years from the date of completion.

Part B
The property for sale identified as Part B extends to approximately 42.5 Ha (105 Ac).

Part B is sold subject to a clawback of 50% of any uplift in value from agricultural use for 50 years from the date of completion.

The coastal town of Seaham benefits from a variety of attractions including coastal footpaths and picturesque beaches, such as Nose’s Point and Blast Beach. Further attractions include Seaham Hall and Dalton Shopping Park which are located nearby. The Durham Coast railway provides excellent commuting facilities to Durham, Newcastle and wider networks.