Rural Workspace Programme

Rural Workspace Programme

The objectives of the scheme are to:

• convert or refurbish redundant buildings for business use (see Rural Small Buildings Scheme)
• seek to conserve 'heritage' buildings in economic use
• re-use brownfield sites
• encourage homeworking

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that their project has the potential to:

• create new employment opportunities
• exploit a market or provide an essential service
• involve innovative social and economic activity

Projects will also be expected to meet normal environmental, design and landscaping standards. Grant offers will be conditional on planning permission, listed building consent or building regulations approval being secured by the applicant.

A 'gap' between the cost of the project and the end value of the development must also be shown.