07 January 2002
Free service to farmers goes on-line

Income-generating ideas for farmers who have redundant or under used farm buildings on their hands are now available on the internet.
Hodgson Elkington, the Lincoln and Newark chartered surveyors and North Kesteven District Council have set up www.valueinstore.co.uk to give instant on-line access to a range of free services available through the Value in Store scheme.

The scheme enables farmers to convert redundant or under used farm buildings and transform them into valuable commercial enterprises and receive an income.

Changes in agriculture and the trend to larger farm holdings, mean that many farmers are looking at ways to diversify and make the most of their assets.

"It is frequently possible to demonstrate an excellent return on capital on conversion cost and in many cases additional help can be sought in the form of grant aid. Rural buildings offer businesses an affordable alternative to city center locations and there are no worries about car parking in the countryside," said Chris Hodgson, partner at Hodgson Elkington.

"In many cases farm buildings constitute a significant part of a farmer's asset stock but because of their design, size, or simply because they are no longer required, they have become redundant or under used. Our scheme 'Value In Store' is designed to help the farmer breath new life into these buildings and to release valuable income," said Alan Gray, North Kesteven District Council's Economic Development Officer.

North Kesteven District Council, which together with Hodgson Elkington has pioneered the scheme, has developed a database of redundant farm buildings that it can then promote to businesses looking for new floorspace or storage space.

All the farmer has to do, in the first instant, is to contact the Council's Economic Development Unit who then arranges for Hodgson Elkington to survey and evaluate the building for possible commercial and financial viability. This is carried out without charge and commitment. Planning issues and access are also taken into consideration. Once included on the Council's database, the details are advertised to potential business clients free of charge until such time as they are successfully let.

Farmers can also choose to market the building in which ever way they see fit and the Council will also promote its availability.

North Kesteven District Council and Hodgson Elkington say the scheme has been well received by those farmers who have taken advantage of the scheme.

"Rural buildings such as barns, stables and other farm buildings form an intrinsic part of the Lincolnshire landscape and we are keen to retain that vitality and character to the countryside. The farmer can gain an income and the user a livelihood which can in turn create jobs in the countryside," added Mr Gray..

"New technologies are allowing more and more commercial enterprises to be successfully located in the countryside and throughout the district there are examples of successful small businesses located in carefully converted rural buildings and there is potential for many more," said Mr Hodgson.

North Kesteven District Council says it is generally sympathetic towards proposals involving the conversion of buildings constructed of both traditional and non-traditional materials. "The central objective of the policy is to ensure that such proposals respect the rural nature of the surrounding countryside," said Mr Gray.

Building regulations as they are applied to workspace are tighter than for purely agricultural buildings. There may therefore be a requirement to undertake certain works to bring the building up to a standard suitable for use as occupied workspace.

One form of non-residential enterprise the Council is particularly keen to encourage is development that will increase the range of visitor facilities and recreational resources.

"If farmers with redundant farm buildings are thinking of diversifying into rural tourism please get in touch. We are able to advise on what planning permissions or consents they will need. Nationally, tourism now employs more people than agriculture, and in North Kesteven with the help and engagement of farmers we have the potential to develop this growing industry," said Mr Gray.

Farmers interested in finding out more about North Kesteven District Council's 'Value In Store' income scheme from redundant farm buildings should log on to www.valueinstore.co.uk or contact

Alan Gray, Economic Development Officer
PO Box 3, Kesteven Street,
Sleaford
Telephone: 01529 414155

Christopher Hodgson or Simon Elkington
Hodgson Elkington,
343 High Street
Lincoln
Telephone: 01522 512232.

Issued on behalf of Hodgson Elkington by
Croft Communications Ltd.
Willingham House, Willingham-by-Stow, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5JX
Tel: 01427 788319, Fax: 01427 788214
Email: paul@croft-communications.co.uk

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