Published: 26/11/2025 By Will Cairns
Symonds & Sampson have been helping landowners explore new ways to make better use of their land and building for many years, finding ways to add value, spread risk, and create a more resilient rural business for the years ahead.Typical opportunities in which we have been involved include converting redundant buildings into residential, workshops or storage units, small-scale tourism such as glamping, holiday lets, and farm cafés. There’s growing interest too in local food ventures, nature-based recreation, renewable energy, and environmental schemes that reward good land management.
The government’s National Planning Policy Framework encourages a strong rural economy, and councils' local policies broadly support well-considered rural enterprise, particularly where it makes use of existing buildings and fits comfortably within the landscape. The key is to design proposals that are sympathetic to their surroundings and deliver clear local benefits – whether that’s new jobs, visitor spend, or environmental enhancement.
It’s worth taking early advice before committing to plans or investment. Some projects can proceed under permitted development rights, while others will require a full planning application. Done thoughtfully, diversification can open up new income streams, keep family businesses viable, and breathe new life into traditional rural assets – ensuring the countryside continues to work hard, look good, and provide opportunity for future generations.
An example of Symonds & Sampson’s active role in helping clients diversify is securing planning consent for five shepherds huts within a cider orchard on a farm in West Dorset. This development takes advantage of the area’s beautifully dark, clear night skies and attracts cider-drinking stargazers. The result is a valuable new income stream which complements the farm’s already successful apple and cider enterprise.
As a truly multi-disciplinary firm, Symonds & Sampson are the obvious choice for those considering diversification. Experts can guide you through planning, valuation, building survey and design, finance, as well as agency advice on the residential and commercial value of a project. For further information, please contact Will Cairns MRICS at our Sturminster Newton Office on 01258 472244, or agents at your local office.
