press release
Lawyers help secure Cumbrian peat bog future
21 April 2010
Lawyers at Browne Jacobson have successfully advised Natural
England on the buy-out of William Sinclair's peat extraction rights
at Bolton Fell Moss in Cumbria. The deal allows for the immediate
phased cessation of peat extraction at Bolton Fell.
Bolton Fell Moss was recently designated an important
conservation site after the European Commission confirmed its
status as a Site of Community Importance.
Sarah Parkinson led the Browne Jacobson team which advised
Natural England on the environmental, commercial and property
issues.
It is the second peat bog buy-out which Sarah Parkinson and her
team have dealt with for Natural England following the successful
buy-out of Scott UK’s peat extraction rights at Wedholme Flow in
Cumbria and Thorne and Hatfield Moors in South Yorkshire in
2002.
Both Natural England and William Sinclair reached a voluntary
agreement over the future of the site, thereby avoiding a period of
costly, protracted negotiations potentially resulting in William
Sinclair’s interests in the land being compulsorily purchased.
Property Partner Sarah Parkinson said:
“We are delighted to have been involved in this buy-out on
behalf of Natural England.
“It has been a real achievement for both parties to have been
able to work together to reach this voluntary deal.
“Natural England is delighted to have secured the permanent
cessation of peat extraction by November 2013 whilst William
Sinclair can now plan for the necessary changes at Bolton Fell now
that the period of uncertainty has come to an end.
“The agreement will undoubtedly accelerate regeneration of
Bolton Fell Moss and ensure the preservation of the ecological
value of this internationally important peat bog.”