Sustainable Communities

New Life for Redundant Buildings Initiative

"Strengthening rural economies by revamping run-down buildings"

The initiative offers the owners of redundant buildings in rural Leicestershire the opportunity to obtain advice and financial assistance towards the introduction of new economic uses for these buildings.

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Completion Date: 31/03/2009

Location

Rural areas of Leicestershire

Project Description

The rural economy of Leicestershire remains under pressure from declining incomes and the New Life for Redundant Buildings Initiative will help to strengthen the prosperity and competitiveness of the rural economy - Lesley Pendleton, Cabinet Lead Member for Rural Issues, Leicestershire County Council, and Chair of the Leicestershire Rural Partnership

The grant is offered in three stages:

Stage One - Advisory Site Visit and Report: funded by the initiative and worth £260, this advice is free to applicants. This stage will provide an initial assesment on the conversion potential of the applicant's building.

Stage Two - Grant for the production of a detailed development package to obtain planning permission. The amount of grant available is 75% of costs, up to a maximum of £750. This will enable the applicant to appoint a consultant to develop their initial idea into a detailed development package.

Stage Three - Grant towards eligible building conversion costs including structural works, access improvements and provision of services. The amount of grant available is up to 25% of costs, up to a maximum of £9,000 for applicants who are working farmers with at least 50% of their income from farming activities, or a maximum of £4,000 for other applicants.

Twice-yearly seminars are held for applicants which provide a forum to discuss issues directly with the officers managing the scheme, as well as local authority planning and highway officers.

Outcomes

Rural buildings

• The provision of grants to realise the conversion potential of redundant rural buildings will assist the diversification of the rural economy by creating opportunities to introduce new uses such as workshops, offices, farm shops, tourist accommodation and leisure activities. This in turn will safeguard exisiting jobs and provide new employment opportunities in rural Leicestershire.

Heritage

• The scheme also safeguards and restores important heritage landscapes, of which traditional buildings are intrinsic. The development of existing buildings also reduces the need to develop scarce and environmentally-sensitive greenfield land.

Project Contacts

Project manager:
Nicola Lees
Tel: 0116 265 7986
E-mail: nlees@leics.gov.uk
Website: www.oakleaves.org.uk

LSEP contact:
Gill Smitherman
Tel: 0116 257 5676
Email: gills@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk