Business Details
Your Trusted Rural Property Consultants in Worcestershire
Carver Knowles have been dedicated to delivering high-quality, client-focused advice to rural businesses and landowners for decades. Our expertise spans agricultural grants, planning consultancy, valuations, and estate management, ensuring clients maximise value, secure funding, and navigate complex regulations. With a team of chartered surveyors and specialists, we combine technical knowledge with practical experience to address challenges in rural property, finance, and environmental stewardship.Our services are designed to add income, reduce costs, and future-proof businesses through strategic development, grant applications, and compliance with evolving policies. We prioritise transparency, professionalism, and tailored solutions, supporting clients in achieving sustainable growth and resolving disputes. Our track record in successful planning applications, agricultural tie removals, and grant funding demonstrates our commitment to client satisfaction and industry leadership.
Services
Valuations
Planning Consultancy
Agricultural Grants
Tenancy Advice
Land Management
Renewable Energy
Expert Witness
Farm Business Advice
Countryside Stewardship
Agricultural Ties
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in rural property consultancy.
- Chartered Surveyors with expertise in agricultural grants and planning.
- Tailored guidance for complex funding applications and regulatory compliance.
- Proven success in removing agricultural ties and securing planning permissions.
- Holistic approach combining valuation, finance, and strategic development.
What people say
Knowledgeable, efficient
Successful planning permission
Prompt and efficient valuation
Professional and practical advice
Excellent service and efficiency
Services
Valuations
Our chartered surveyors provide accurate and detailed valuations for rural properties, including farms, agricultural land, and estates. We assess market value, development potential, and compliance with planning regulations. Clients benefit from transparent reporting and strategic advice to support investment decisions, sales, or financing.
Planning Consultancy
We specialise in planning applications for rural developments, including agricultural tie removals, barn conversions, and new dwellings. Our team navigates local policies to secure approvals, manage objections, and ensure compliance. Clients gain expert guidance from pre-application advice to appeals and enforcement resolution.
Agricultural Grants
We assist clients in securing agricultural grants through schemes like Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Our services include identifying eligible projects, preparing applications, and managing claims. Clients receive tailored support to maximise funding for environmental improvements, infrastructure, and diversification.
Land Management
Our land management services cover strategic asset reviews, boundary disputes, and succession planning. We help clients optimise estate value, resolve legal challenges, and implement sustainable practices. Expertise includes compensation claims, right-of-way classification, and biodiversity net gain strategies.
Expert Witness
Carver Knowles provides expert witness services for rural property disputes, including boundary conflicts, valuation disagreements, and tenancy issues. Our chartered surveyors deliver impartial, court-compliant reports and testimony. Clients benefit from RICS-guided expertise and a focus on resolving disputes efficiently.
People
Andrew Troughton
Director
Andrew has over 25 years of experience in rural property consultancy, specialising in agricultural grants, planning, and expert witness services. He leads complex projects and supports clients in securing funding and resolving disputes.
Chris Ashley
Director
Chris focuses on land and estate management, offering strategic advice on valuations, succession planning, and rural business development. He has extensive experience in negotiating tenancies and maximising asset value.
Ellen Freeman
Planning Consultant
Ellen specialises in planning applications and agricultural tie removals, with a track record in securing approvals for challenging projects. She provides practical solutions for clients navigating rural development regulations.
Sam Carter
Chartered Surveyor
Sam delivers planning consultancy services, focusing on development potential and compliance. He supports clients in expanding farm businesses and converting agricultural buildings for alternative uses.
Alex Stafford-Clark
Surveyor
Alex advises on rural property valuations, planning, and grant funding. He works closely with landowners to identify opportunities for income generation and regulatory compliance.
Questions
What agricultural grants are available in 2025?
In 2025, grants include the Capital Grants Scheme, Countryside Stewardship, and the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. We help clients identify and apply for eligible funding.
How can I remove an agricultural tie from my property?
We guide clients through the appraisal and planning process to remove agricultural ties, using marketing exercises or alternative methods tailored to local policies and property history.
What planning services do you offer for rural properties?
We handle planning applications, appeals, and pre-application advice for developments like barn conversions, new dwellings, and land use changes.
Can you assist with farm business succession planning?
Yes, we provide succession planning services, including asset division, tax strategies, and business structure reviews to ensure smooth transitions between generations.
Do you offer expert witness services for rural disputes?
Yes, our chartered surveyors act as expert witnesses in boundary disputes, valuation conflicts, and tenancy issues, providing impartial reports and court testimony.
How do I apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive?
We assist with SFI applications, including selecting eligible practices, preparing documentation, and ensuring compliance with scheme requirements to maximise funding success.
Reviews (3)
Timothy Osborne
Dec 05, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Amelia Sheldon from Carver Knowles recently advised me on obtaining residential planning on my agricultural barn which was dealt with professionally and quickly. Planning consent was applied for and approved and cannot fault the way in which it was dealt with. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others. Thank you.
Amelia Sheldon from Carver Knowles recently advised me on obtaining residential planning on my agricultural barn which was dealt with professionally and quickly. Planning consent was applied for and approved and cannot fault the way in which it was dealt with. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others. Thank you.
Anon Hereford
Oct 28, 2018
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I want to thank you for your kind assistance in obtaining 'permitted development' planning permission on the three barns. You clearly have a thorough knowledge of the workings of this government directive and you put that to good use on my behalf. I have battled with planners in the past to no avail and you seemed to do it all so simply. I cannot thank you enough for your very competent work.
Anna H.-L.
Oct 25, 2018
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Paid the full amount, and received very poor service. Can no longer trust them to submit the planning application. Very big disappointment. Would not recommend to my worst enemy
