Property Law for Parish Councils
Specialist Legal Advice on Historic Trust and Community Property Transactions
Property transactions involving parish councils, village halls and community organisations require more than standard conveyancing expertise. These organisations often operate within historic trust arrangements, statutory frameworks and specific governance requirements, meaning that property transactions can raise issues that do not arise in ordinary residential or commercial conveyancing.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, solicitor Simon Chevassut has developed a growing portfolio of work advising parish councils, village hall committees and community organisations on complex property matters. This is a specialist area of property law, distinct from routine charity conveyancing, and requires a detailed understanding of the particular legal powers, restrictions and responsibilities that can apply to community-owned property.
We advise on a wide range of property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, transfers, easements and finance arrangements. We can also help organisations understand the legal implications of historic ownership arrangements, trust documentation and restrictions affecting the use or disposal of community property.
For parish councils and community organisations, it is important that property decisions are properly authorised and that the transaction reflects the organisation’s constitutional, statutory and community obligations. We work with those responsible for managing community assets to identify potential issues at an early stage, explain the legal position and ensure the necessary documentation and protections are put in place.
Whether you are acquiring land for community use, disposing of surplus property, negotiating a lease for a village hall or dealing with a more complex historic ownership arrangement, Simon can provide specialist legal guidance tailored to the needs of your organisation.
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‘The service we received from Simon was outstanding. He was quick to respond to our emails, kept us informed of developments and made sure we were happy with the process at every step.’
Simon Chevassut
Solicitor
Why Specialist Advice Matters
Property transactions involving parish councils and historic trusts are not routine commercial matters. They require:
Detailed knowledge of trust law and governance structures
Familiarity with statutory powers and public accountability
Experience managing community consultation and stakeholder sensitivities
The ability to balance legal compliance with practical community needs
Meet the team
Simon Hale
Simon is a Director and the Head of our Commercial Property Department. He has over 30 years’ experience and acts for a wide range of landlords, tenants, developers and investors on commercial property sales and purchases, leases, re-financing arrangements as well as advising on business asset sales and purchases. He has a particular interest in…
Daniel Brocklehurst
Dan joined the firm as a newly qualified solicitor in 2021. He completed his Law and Criminology LLB, Law LLM and LPC at Nottingham Law School. Dan is part of the Commercial Property department and is involved in property sales & purchases for investors and developers. Outside of work, Dan enjoys watching and participating in…
(0115) 922 1591
Daniel.Brocklehurst@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Daniel Brocklehurst is based at our Beeston Office.
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Jackie Abbott
Jackie has worked within the Commercial Property and Charity areas of law for over 21 years’ acting for individuals, companies and charities covering all aspects of property transactions including freehold and leasehold property. Jackie also has experience with properties to be sold or purchased at auction. Prior to moving over to Commercial Property, Jackie had…
01773 821 665
jackie.abbott@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Jackie Abbott is based at our Belper Office.
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Simon Chevassut
Simon is a Solicitor currently working in the Commercial Property Department at our Beeston office. His work is varied and he enjoys working with churches, charities and businesses on a purchase, sale, lease, and property trusteeship transfers. He regularly assists individuals with independent guarantee advice appointments when they are buying or re-financing a property through…
0115 922 1591
simon.chevassut@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Simon Chevassut is based at our Beeston Office.
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Bethan Chart
Bethan Chart is a Paralegal in the Commercial Property team at our Beeston office. Bethan first came to Nottingham to study Law at the University of Nottingham. After graduating, Bethan joined the Property Department at Ellis-Fermor & Negus with a focus on commercial and charity property. Bethan can assist with sales and purchases as well…
0115 922 1591
bethan.chart@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Bethan Chart is based at our Beeston Office.
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Sophie Garner
Sophie began her time at Ellis-Fermor and Negus on Reception and quickly worked her way up to Secretary. As of July 2024 she is a Paralegal in the Property department. Sophie is also the Beeston Office Manager. Common areas of work include Company and Individual Buy to Lets, Auctions, Remortgages and Lease Extensions. In her…
0115 922 1591
sophie.garner@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Sophie Garner is based at our Beeston Office.
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Noah Boswell
Noah is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property Department at Beeston. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BArch in Architecture before joining us as a Secretary in late 2023. As of September 2025, he is now working as a Paralegal. Outside of work, Noah lives with his wife Kate in Beeston. They enjoy…
0115 922 1591
noah.boswell@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Noah Boswell is based at our Beeston Office.
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Reviews, what our clients are saying…
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Historic Trust Structures and Governance:
Many village halls and community buildings are held under historic trusts, sometimes established decades or even centuries ago. Title may be vested in individual trustees, custodian trustees, parish councils acting under statutory authority, or management committees operating under specific governing documents.
Transactions require careful analysis of:
- The trust’s purposes and restrictions
- Trustee powers and decision-making requirements
- Statutory duties of parish councils
- Consent requirements before disposal or borrowing
- Proper documentation of resolutions and authority.
A failure to follow governance requirements can invalidate decisions or expose trustees to personal liability. Specialist advice ensures compliance at every stage.
Community organisations frequently need to adapt property holdings to meet modern needs. This may involve acquiring new land, disposing of unused assets, or restructuring ownership.
Solicitor, Simon Chevassut advises on:
- Acquisition of land for community facilities
- Disposal of surplus or underused land subject to trust restrictions
- Managing statutory compliance and best value considerations
- Title investigation, including historic covenants and rights
- Structuring transactions to satisfy both governance and commercial realities
Leases granted by parish councils and village halls must balance community benefit with legal and financial protection.
Simon Chevassut provides advice on:
- Drafting and negotiating leases to local groups, nurseries, cafés, and service providers
- Ensuring rent, repairing obligations, and insurance provisions are appropriate
- Protecting trust purposes and permitted use restrictions
- Securing proper trustee authority and statutory compliance
Where organisations are themselves taking leases, he advises on risk management, term length, break provisions, and funding requirements.
Securing finance and investment is critical for growth and stability. Our lawyers provide expert advice, negotiation support, and robust documentation to ensure your business funding is compliant, and effective.
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us
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