Leicestershire County Council has set out a new management strategy for its 7,400-acre rural estate, signalling a more structured approach to the commercial, environmental, and operational performance of one of the largest local-authority estates in the UK.
The portfolio includes 65 farms, nearly 7,000 acres of productive farmland, and 275 acres of woodland, as well as designated biodiversity sites. The council now owns more farmland than it did a decade ago, while many authorities have been divesting similar assets.
Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources, said “This strategy is about two things – supporting our farmers and making the best use of our rural estate.
“Farmers are our backbone and we recognise how important they are to everyone in Leicestershire. As a landowner of over 60 farms across the whole county, we want them to thrive.
“Making sure our existing farmers continue to be sustainable is a key part of the strategy, as is supporting the next generation of farmers, and giving them a chance to be a success.
“We’re being proactive and talking to lots of people in the farming industry about this strategy, but your views are important, too, so I’d encourage everyone to have a say.”
The strategy positions the estate as a long-term asset capable of supporting rural business growth while contributing to the county’s environmental targets. Plans include creating a more efficient mix of farm sizes, improving agricultural buildings where needed, and supporting tenants in diversifying, adopting new technology, and pursuing resilient business models. Woodland and biodiversity areas will continue to play a role in land management and value creation.
The council notes that the estate will evolve in line with commercial performance. Land disposals will be considered only where plots are uneconomic or carry a stronger alternative use case. Adjacent land that strengthens the operational viability of neighbouring farms may be retained and absorbed instead.
A formal consultation will invite feedback from residents, tenants, farming organisations, and the National Farmers Union. Insights gathered will influence how the council structures future support for farm businesses and maximises the estate’s economic potential across the county.
