Rural Solutions has secured a further round of planning permissions for innovative and inspiring rural workspace developments in Durham, Yorkshire and the Peak District. In a rural corner of Durham, 16,000 sq ft of listed buildings on the Lambton Estate at Chester le Street have received consent for B1 workspace with four apartments for live/work development. Centrally located close to Lambton Castle, the scheme will complement the Estate’s existing Bowes House Farm redevelopment.

Near Selby in Yorkshire, Rural Solutions has recently secured consent for the conversion of Kirkby Grange on the Grimston Park Estate for B1 workspace, to include the redevelopment of an existing livery and equestrian business in purpose-built facilities. Not only does this sustain a long-standing existing rural business that wishes to expand, but provides a viable, long-term use for a fine set of buildings in need of restoration.

In Hathersage in the Peak District, the National Park Authority has recently granted consent for the conversion of Hall Farm, a redundant set of farm buildings with a chequered planning history, within the village Conservation Area. To accompany the scheme, two new buildings also received the go ahead including a contemporary, semi-elliptical glass and timber structure which will provide small incubator space. Rural Solutions Construction work has just started, with grant support being provided by the Regional Development Agency EMDA through the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

“Opportunities for workspace applications for redundant rural buildings are considerable,” explains Ian Butter, Rural Solutions’ Head of Planning and Land Use. “With a little imagination and skilful execution, they are often more realisable than they first appear, providing commercially viable, high specification stylish offices that successfully retain their historical vernacular and setting. The rapid development of the internet, email and digital communications technology now make it possible for businesses to relocate to a rural base free from traffic congestion, town centre pollution and outdated working conditions”.

Rural Solutions have a proven track record in conceptualising and delivering rural workspace – particularly workspace that not only adds value to the building asset, but helps nurture rural enterprise and ultimately helps enable rural employment. Ian Butter adds “Our work clearly demonstrates that through careful design, planning and management, the value of redundant land and buildings can be restored and increased, and their successful regeneration undertaken.”