Worried farmers in Bradninch, Devon, are expressing concerns about potentially becoming “homeless” as Prince William disclosed plans to sell a portion of farmland from a renowned royal estate. The Prince of Wales is looking to sell 20% of his estate, leading locals to worry about their ability to meet the asking price for the land.

The Duchy of Cornwall, operating since 1337, is currently engaging in discussions with farmers and tenants to allow them the opportunity to repurchase their land. Prince William intends to allocate £500 million from the sale towards addressing housing and environmental issues.

The sale in Bradninch, a small town near Cullompton, affects around 10 farmers who collectively own approximately 3,500 acres of land. Local residents, Dr. Mary Ryan and John Palmer, who have resided in Bradninch for 35 years, are troubled by the impact on farmers and the community caused by the sale.

John, a retired surgeon, emphasized the significant consequences the sale will have on the farming community, particularly for those who cannot afford to repurchase their land. Dr. Mary, a retired GP, highlighted the added pressure on farmers amidst existing challenges such as climate change-induced weather extremes, escalating living costs, and conflicts.

The 3,500-acre estate includes various assets like rented properties, wetlands, allotments, and a football field. Dr. Mary and John learned about the land sale approximately six weeks prior, sparking distress and confusion among the local population as they grapple with the unexpected reality.

Urging for more transparency regarding the financial implications, Dr. Mary emphasized the need for clarity on how diverting funds from the royal estate to other investments benefits the local community. The Duchy of Cornwall assured that tenants are being given priority to purchase their properties with possible discounts, offering support and guidance throughout the decision-making process.

The spokesperson reiterated the commitment to providing mental health support to farming tenants and ensuring a smooth transition for community-owned spaces like the football pitch and allotments. These changes are aimed at facilitating future investments in the heartlands to benefit tenants, communities, and nature conservation efforts.