News and Issues

Traditional farm buildings play a highly significant role in both the rural economy and the cultural heritage of the Norfolk landscape. As farming changes, many buildings fall into disuse and disrepair. At the same time, farmers are being constantly encouraged to diversify their business. The re-use of major economic assets, particularly redundant or under-utilised farm buildings, can therefore play a key part in the diversification process.

However, there are many challenges associated with their re-use –both real and perceived –for which farmers need information, advice and guidance. Through the North Sea Rural Project, these challenges and the opportunities for the commercial re-use of farm buildings have been identified and addressed.

The pressure for change in the farming industry is likely to accelerate further over the next few years as global influences increase. Successful conversions of historic farm buildings, and the landscapes within which they are located, will be closely linked to the viability of the farming industry. As a result, Government is encouraging the planning system to be more receptive to the adaptive re-use of farm buildings as a means of unlocking their potential for rural diversification and regeneration, as outlined in Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas.

The North Sea Rural Project was grant aided through the European Union INTERREG IIIB Programme. The main objectives of the project were to maintain the viability of rural communities through the promotion of economic diversification, sustaining existing rural businesses and encouragement of new business start-ups leading to new employment opportunities and retention of the historic building stock.

Key outputs from the project are:
• A major survey of Norfolk farmers to assess their views and plans for diversification as part of the Norfolk Farm Study, 2006.
• A countywide survey of historic farm building stock, identifying a wide range of successful case studies and good design practice in sustainable conversions.
• A series of planning workshops for farmers, stressing the importance of early discussions and exchanging information about the proposals prior to a formal application.
• A demand assessment for commercial property in rural parts of the county, which reinforced the assertion that location can be key to a successful business.
• Research into the highway impacts from the re-use of redundant farm buildings, leading to a review of the standards and guidance used in assessing the adequacy of the rural network.
• A new website - which includes an interactive toolkit to help owners of redundant farm buildings develop their ideas in their own time into a comprehensive business plan.

Useful Links

   - NRBAS: Diversification Tool Kit

Useful Documents

   - Earthly Ideas, Sustainable Businesses
   - Local Development Framework: West Norfolk’s view
   - Norfolk County Council, Building Design
   - Norfolk County Highways, Highway Issues
   - North Norfolk DC: Planning issues, consideration
   - NRBAS power point show from workshop