Darlington Law Firm's Role in Major New Farm Diversification Development

Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks has played, and continues to play a major role in the creation of a prestigious new office development in North Yorkshire. Crabtree Hall Business Centre is an innovative farm diversification project by husband and wife team Mark and Stephanie Pybus and Jenny Pybus, Mark’s mother.

The site was originally a Georgian model farm, built in the 18th century by renowned Yorkshire architect John Carr. It is a mix of sympathetically converted traditional brick buildings alongside new sections, which have been designed to complement the original architecture.

The development boasts 14 separate units with high-speed broadband and a hi-tech meeting room with video conferencing facilities.

Anne Elliott, an agricultural and senior tax-planning partner at Latimer Hinks has been involved with the scheme from the outset.


Anne said: “This is a fantastic development, which makes the very best use of the existing historic buildings combined with interesting new-buildings.

“Jenny first consulted me in 2001. Our on-going and regular discussions have helped Latimer Hinks provide ‘added value’ and a totally integrated partner-led service to the family. Being involved in the scheme from the outset and knowing the family’s hopes and aspirations for themselves and for the farm enabled me to advise an appropriate legal framework.

“The tax-planning for the business was extremely complex. The legal framework needed to address the present and the future. The long-term asset planning needed to be flexible to allow the business to grow and to safeguard the interests of the family. I am very proud to have been part of the project since its infancy and have got to know the family very well. We look forward to retaining strong links with the family and to watching the development prosper.”

Nicola Neilson, commercial property partner at Latimer Hinks is working with the Pybus family and prospective tenants to ensure that appropriate leases are in place for each of the 14 units as they are occupied.

Nicola said: “There has been a terrific amount of interest in this unique development and six of the units have already been let. My initial involvement was to draw up a standard lease, which can be adopted for each of the units and I will continue to work with prospective occupiers, working with their lawyers to secure leases which work for both parties. Anne and I have each worked to our professional strengths to produce the ‘total package’ for our clients.”