of the conversion work required. Yet some owners may be able to obtain grants for certain renovation work, and some banks may even be prepared to pThe recent success of the BBC's Restoration Village has seen a dramatic number of people turning their attention towards the renovation of abandoned countryside buildings. This has seen a particularly rapidly increasing trend within the agricultural sector; if you're a farmer and you own a redundant building, renovation may be an excellent way to diversify and raise your revenue.

Diversification, however, can be a particular problem for farmers and a seemingly daunting risk to take. Yet, many abandoned farm buildings may make excellent craft workshops, rural meeting places, stores or office facilities, particularly if they are located near a main road. This type of renovation can however be costly; Local Authorities often require that owners obtain planning permission before changing the designated usage of a building; these costs may differ widely depending on the area and the extent of the conversion work required. Yet some owners may be able to obtain grants for certain renovation work, and some banks may even be prepared to pr

within the agricultural sector; if you're a farmer and you own a redundant building, renovation may be an excellent way to diversify and raise your revenue.

Diversification, however, can be a particular problem for farmers and a seemingly daunting risk to take. Yet, many abandoned farm buildings may make excellent craft workshops, rural meeting places, stores or office facilities, particularly if they are located near a main road. This type of renovation can however be costly; Local Authorities often require that owners obtain planning permission before changing the designated usage of a building; these costs may differ widely depending on the area and the extent of the conversion work required. Yet some owners may be able to obtain grants for certain renovation work, and some banks may even be prepared to p

rs and a seemingly daunting risk to take. Yet, many abandoned farm buildings may make excellent craft workshops, rural meeting places, stores or office facilities, particularly if they are located near a main road. This type of renovation can however be costly; Local Authorities often require that owners obtain planning permission before changing the designated usage of a building; these costs may differ widely depending on the area and the extent of the conversion work required. Yet some owners may be able to obtain grants for certain renovation work, and some banks may even be prepared to pf renovation can however be costly; Local Authorities often require that owners obtain planning permission before changing the designated usage of a building; these costs may differ widely depending on the area and the extent of the conversion work required. Yet some owners may be able to obtain grants for certain renovation work, and some banks may even be prepared to pof the conversion work required. Yet some owners may be able to obtain grants for certain renovation work, and some banks may even be prepared to provide support for business plans that seem professional, well prepared and potentially lucrative. Often, if the conversion is successful, the costs of refurbishing abandoned farm buildings will be far outweighed by the benefits it will reap.

If the renovation project aims towards renting, rental income can vary greatly from ?2 to well over ?5 per square foot, depending on location, size of building, quality and a variety of other factors. If rural workshop units or office facilities are being set up, then adequate car parking facilities will also need to be provided for staff, customers and trade service providers.

Novice landlords may come up against some general problems, such as how to decide prospective tenants, and how to draw up a watertight lease. Generally, most landlords should obtain references before deciding on tenants, as well as credit references, bank references an