Carter Jonas sold nine acres of pastureland in Telford where Crichel Down Rules applied. The firm acts for the HCA by managing its north and south agricultural portfolios and carrying out disposals of land and property when instructed. The HCA asked Carter Jonas to dispose of a 9.67-acre block of pastureland at Telford Way in Priorslee, Telford.

Before placing the land onto the open market, Carter Jonas investigated whether Crichel Down Rules applied. These require that all surplus land acquired by, or under threat of, compulsory purchase is offered back to the former owners or their successors. The team discovered that the rules did apply in this case, and the land was offered to the two former owners. Neither wanted to purchase, and, in line with HCA policy, the land was offered to the tenant who occupied it at the time.

The tenant wanted to continue to graze his sheep and cattle there, and a deal was agreed for him to buy the land at just over £7,000 per acre. If the tenant had not wished to acquire the land, Carter Jonas would have put the land up for sale via informal tender.