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Money for Rural building conversions

The Somerset Rural Renaissance partnership is offering grants of upto £136,000 to support conversions of rural buildings for employment uses.

Derelict rural buildings such as agricultural barns are the target for this funding which seeks to promote employment opportunities in the rural parts of Somerset. 

Funding can be offered for the building conversion costs upto a maximum of 25 %. Feasibility Studies and Professional expertise to progress suitable projects can also be funded upto a maximum of 50% grant aid  and no more than £10k per proposal.
 

The main aims of the fund are:

the re-use of previously developed land and buildings;

supporting rural regeneration, diversification and growth;

developing sustainable communities where the approach is to reduce the need to travel;

promoting quality, linked to achievement of sustainable construction principles;

supporting the priority sectors of food and drink, tourism, aerospace & advanced engineering, environmental technologies and creative industries together with access to ICT infrastructure within workspace schemes

Applications are considered at regular panel meetings .

There will be a workshop for potential applicants on Tuesday 29th July 2008: a morning session giving an overview of the programme including application, monitoring and claiming process.

The meeting will be held near Ilminster at one of the projects supported by the programme last year so there will be an opportunity to speak to someone with first hand experience and to have a look around at what they have achieved. To book your place please contact Christine Langford on 01458 257419 or clangford@somerset.gov.uk 

Further information available on the Rural Renaissance website www.somerset-rural-renaissance.co.uk
 

Author: Allison Herbert (herberta@mendip.gov.uk)

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