Lobby group determined to fight for the interests of countryside

The CLA lobbies decision-makers in support of rural landowners and firms, providing expert advice on a subjects including planning, rights of way and farm support payments. Wendy Short went to Aske Stables, near Richmond, to meet Jane Harrison, a rural adviser who has worked for the organisation since 1979

ASKE Stables is the ideal location for the CLA, sitting as it does in the heart of the northern dales but close to all the major roadways.
The office is one of several that are reached by walking through a huge archway, leading into the beautiful stable courtyard, which has been tastefully converted and retains many of its original features.
First formed to protect the rights of landowners, the CLA’s initials originally stood for the Country Land Association. At a later stage in its history, it became the Country Land and Business Association but retained the initials, while more recently, it has simply been known as the CLA.
Rural advison Jane Harrison says the internet has brought mixed fortunes to her working day.
“When I started out, we didn’t even have a photocopier; I used to type duplicate letters using a waxed paper stencil. Relying mainly on postal correspondence was easier in some ways, because people expected a time-lag between communications. Nowadays, some people expect an instant response and a lot of my time is taken up with member communications.”
An early bird, Ms Harrison likes to be sitting at her desk at 8.30am prompt, starting her day by dealing with any member queries and generally keeping up with the many projects she is involved in.
She spends a lot of her time travelling all over the north of England, meeting members and trying to help them sort out their problems. She also attends meetings and sits on several steering groups, representing members’ view and making sure that rural landowners and businesses are not sidelined in favour of urban areas. Another role is to work as part of a team, responding to Government consultations.
Jane is particularly proud of the results of her efforts linked to the recently-introduced community infrastructure levy, which is applied by some local councils to the conversion of nearly all new farm buildings, mainly for residential use.
“This has not been an easy task,” she says. “There are about 80 councils in our northern region and each has the power to decide if charges are applied and the level of fee that is required.
“The amount is determined on a square metre basis and it can add up to a significant amount on some developments.
“I’ve managed to successfully lobby about one third of the councils, which have introduced the charge to set a zero levy on agricultural dwellings and nearly all new developments. We will keep up the pressure on the rest.”
One lobbying campaign by the CLA is a subject that will be close to the hearts of many Mercury readers – the call for improved broadband connectivity in rural areas.
The CLA has identified this issue as one of the most significant single barriers affecting rural businesses, and has been lobbying on this for many years. In response to pressure from the CLA and others, the Government has finally agreed to commit to a Universal Service Obligation of at least 10 megabits per second by 2020.
Negotiations are underway to thrash out the specific details of the commitment.
The CLA plans to make the case for the obligation to give every home and business a legal right to adequate connectivity, with compensation offered to fund alternative means of internet connection if the commitment is not met.
Like many other organisations, the CLA did not issue advice to members about whether to leave the EU. However, Brexit was a primary focus of attention and the organisation published advisory booklets on the subject, setting out the pros and cons.
“Now that the decision to leave has been made, we are occupied with trying to ensure that farms and other rural businesses are fully recognised for the contribution they make to the rural economy,” says Ms Harrison. “The situation is challenging and complex. No one can predict what will happen, but we want to ensure that farm support is ongoing and that environmental payments continue in some form. We have secured a promise that funding for environmental stewardship schemes will be honoured for 2016, but we have not yet received a response on the prospects for possible new applications for 2017. Continued funding is vital, as the conservation measures taken by farmers will be compromised if support is withdrawn. Prices for livestock and crops have been poor and import costs have risen, so the majority will not be able to keep up their good work without some form of assistance.”
Chance plays an important role in many people’s careers and Ms Harrison is no exception. A lifelong horse lover, she trained as a riding instructor, after leaving Polam Hall school, in Darlington. After a spell as head groom for the master of the Zetland Hunt, a horse riding accident left her looking for an alternative way of earning a living. Life’s events often come full circle and Ms Harrison often finds herself back in Darlington, where she went to school, as well as working at Aske Hall, which is owned by the Zetland Estate.
Her passion for horses has never left, although these days she prefers to be a spectator. She regularly goes racing and attends local point-to-points, also sitting on the committee for a pack of beagles, which she follows every weekend during the season, which runs from September to March.
Another hobby is walking and she routinely combines this activity with another of her favourite pastimes – eating out.
“I often take a circular walk with friends around Middleton Tyas, stopping off for lunch at the Coach House at Middleton Lodge, which does very good food,” she says. “We also go to the Angel at Gilling West, which serves fantastic pies. I also like reading; proper books, non-electronic devices, I have an Amazon Fire tablet, but I hardly ever use it.
“I consider myself very fortunate – I love my work and there is a very nice atmosphere in our office. It is a privilege to drive around the British countryside and I visit some amazing places. I have nothing at all to complain about,” says Ms Harrison.