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Farnley Estates Liaison

All newcomers to the Village have come to live here because so far the Village has been free of the major development that has so spoiled other Villages in the area. The historic agricultural background of Farnley Tyas offers an escape from the urban sprawl that typifies Villages like Shelley, Clayton West and Skelmanthorpe.

The changing agricultural scene over the past few years has meant that the nature of the buildings that comprise the farms in the Village have had to adapt. Several hay barns that were adjacent to the farms they served have been converted into dwellings and there is a general acceptance that this process is likely to continue but the questionnaire was clear in revealing an almost universal resistance to wholesale development.

Farnley Tyas is unique in that for centuries most of the buildings in the Village and all of the land surrounding belonged to the Dartmouth Estate. Only for the last forty years has it been in the hands of a local family under the name of Farnley Estates Limited. Farm tenancies Farnley Tyas were traditionally the main source of income for Farnley Estates Limited, but as farming generally has gone into decline, houses and farm buildings have been sold off for development and refurbishment as residential dwellings.

Farnley Estates Limited is planning further developments over the long-term, and the survey revealed that 81% of Villagers would welcome more information from Farnley Estates Limited as to these future plans and about woodland and land management. The working group seeks to work with Farnley Estates Limited and encourage friendly and open discussion between Farnley Estates Limited and Village residents with the aim of coming to a hopefully mutual agreement as to
potential future land use within and around the Village. Maintenance and improvement of footpaths throughout the land of Farnley Estates Limited is another area which is hoped to be encouraged through discussion.

The following comments were made by residents with regard to Farnley Estates Limited.

• Don’t want to see any fundamental changes to the character of the Village.
• I’m used to lack of amenities but do miss the shop and post office – I’d hate to see too much development.
• This is the most relevant question of all. If Farnley Estates Limited want to build or convert existing buildings into housing why don’t they come clean and say this from the start! Most people would not object to infill building as long as the end use is acceptable. The way they are going about it makes it look like Farnley residents are asking for change. Farnley Estates Limited started the community plan because they want the residents’ approval to build. They are even prepared to bribe the residents by offering improved Village amenities/facilities.
• Any restoration should be in keeping with the style of the old houses/buildings within the Village (as with Mrs. Kaye’s cottages, they look lovely, now restored.)
• The stone barn at Yew Tree farm/John Sykes’ yard is very important to the look of Farnley Village.
• Listed buildings should include Yew Tree farm.
• List/preserve original Farnley Manor House in Coronation Yard.
• The sycamore trees in the green space in centre of Village between Sycamore farm and Bowling Club (should be protected). Keep this area open Green space!
• The dry stone walls are appalling.
• Many of existing walls in poor repair for long periods of time.
• Buildings with historical significance should be protected. No trees should be cut down.
• Manor Farm at centre of Village should be protected. Trees at end of Sycamore Farm Croft should be left.
• Protect woodland, improve footpaths
• Would hate to see too much development
• Increase facilities to meet demand
• We need first time buyer housing (so that our offspring can stay in the area they were born in)

Comments from residents who specifically on communication with Farnley Estates Limited.

• Put all information on a website.
• A newsletter to residents (from Farnley Estates Limited) keeping them updated of plans and current activities which affect us all.
• Newsletter – annually or bi-annual. Open day at the office of Farnley Estates Limited with information boards explaining land usage and future plans.
• Tell this community what is going on. 
• Formal presentation at the bowling club followed by questions and answers open invitation to the entire Village.
• Detailed plans of intentions to develop. Quarterly newsletter.
• Open day with strategy and plans from Farnley Estates Limited.

If workshop space was available what would help meet the needs of local employment?

Is it acceptable to convert the stone farm buildings into?

Other than the conversion of existing stone farm buildings, would you find acceptable?

Farnley Estates Liaison Action Plan

The following topic's have been raised as action points for the community plan.

Recreation Ground

Village Events

Walking

Better Communication

Land Use