Making farming viable

It is a well-known fact that there is a modern day conflict between the needs of village farmers and village residents. Whether it is agricultural traffic, noise or the smell of muck spreading, the two are often at odds with each other.

However, farming is still vitally important to the fabric of the village and something that the Estate would never want to lose. As a result a major investment has been made at Low Common Farm to provide a purpose-built modern barn that will protect farming operations and allow them to thrive in this part of the Estate.

The new barn (whilst only being 20 metres from the old farm buildings) will significantly improve operations primarily by taking it out of the immediate area occupied by residential properties. This benefits the residents, and gives Janet Sheard much improved facilities.

Improvement to public footpaths

One of the most costly tasks that Farnley Estates undertakes is the continual improvement and repair of local footpaths.

The footpaths around the village are heavily used – not just by local residents -whether for dog walking or more active pursuits such as running. There are also cycling and horse riding opportunities in and around the Estate. It is therefore a major priority to keep these footpaths and Bridleways  open. To date over thirty new styles have been installed.

During the recent bad weather a wall completely collapsed at Low Common Farm which will require major works to repair it. The Estate’s commitment to maintaining the built heritage means that not only will it be repaired, it will be finished to a standard in keeping with all the stonework immediately surrounding it. Repairs with this level of detail are costly, and which when added to the local bylaw of paying £700 for temporarily closing a public footpath, means that a large bill can soon be accumulated.

As the landowner, the Estate takes its role very seriously and where possible tries to use its land for the maximum benefit of local residents. Last year, we allowed a new electricity main to be laid through our fields rather than cause massive disruption on Honley Road and whilst it will be small consolation for residents and users of Manor Road, we did offer a similar option to Northern Utilities to bring the gas main through the field alongside the road but were turned down.

Work will start on the Low Common wall repair shortly so watch this space for updates.

Maintaining the built heritage of Farnley Tyas

One of the primary objectives of Farnley Estates is to maintain the ‘built heritage’ of the village. Part of the Estate Strategy is to manage the upkeep of all the buildings of heritage quality, whether listed or not.

Farnley Tyas has many buildings which, when pieced together, reveal the rich history of the village. Unfortunately for some of them, particularly those associated with farming, time has not been kind. Built for an era of horse and carts, these buildings have struggled with the rigours of tractors and trailers, rigorous environmental health regulations and the general decline of farming as a whole. If these buildings are to be maintained than a more viable long term use needs to be found.

The Estate has recently received planning permission to convert the old barn at Woodview Farm into offices. As with all the Estate’s properties, it will be rebuilt to the highest standards using many of the existing materials and in keeping with the immediate surroundings. This is one way that the Estate can maintain the ‘built heritage’ of the village, and in a way that is also financially viable.

The Estate is committed to protecting the heritage of the village and will do all that it can to ensure that it preserved for many years to come.

More information on the ‘built environment’ can be found in Issue 2 of our newsletter ‘Farnley Views’. Click here to view.

Major tree surgery undertaken

In early December, a major limb needing removing from a Beech tree that was hanging over Field Lane.

Allotment / Garden area available

An area of land within Farnley Tyas could be made available for allotment/garden usage, possibly administered by the Parish Council.

If you would be interested in taking on an allotment/garden please would you contact either Farnley House or e-mail paulelgar@shawspetroleum.co.uk