Financial Support to improve unused buildings in Cumbria

A variety of measures have been introduced recently that could provide many thousands of pounds to assist with the redevelopment of old, derelict, redundant buildings to bring them back into commercial use.

The first of these is the Rural Small Buildings Scheme which has just been relaunched in Cumbria and which offers grant assistance for the conversion of redundant buildings. This scheme, which is being run by Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, can provide grants of up to 25% of the conversion cost. These grants are available throughout rural Cumbria (all of Cumbria except urban Barrow, Carlisle , Whitehaven and Workington) and are for projects that will bring these old and sometimes unsightly buildings back into productive use and create new jobs in the rural economy.

The second incentive scheme is the Business Premises Renovation Allowance. This offers significant tax relief for buildings which have been unused for at least a year and are in designated disadvantaged areas* of Cumbria . Announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown back in 2005 it has only now, since 11 April this year, become operational following protracted negotiations with the EU. Under this scheme full tax relief of up to the full cost of renovation is available as long as the building is non residential and remains in commercial use for at least seven years.

As a further help to assist with these old building conversions Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency also offers a free planning advice service. Further information about this and the Rural Small Buildings Scheme can be obtained from Andrew on 01539 726624 or by e-mail to enquiries@crea.co.uk

Example Project

Millstones Barn Bootle- Before development

Millstones Barn Outside - after development

Millstones Barn Inside - after development

For information about the Business Premises Renovation Allowance contact http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Bob Clark , Executive Director of CREA says “these schemes show the benefits that can be gained by different agencies working together – Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, working with Cumbria Vision and funded by North West Development Agency, is able to offer the Rural Small Buildings grant scheme and the Rural Planning Facilitation Service and the Treasury now offer tax allowances for certain business premises renovation. Together these show the determination of government to help in improving the appearance of both our countryside and the less advantaged areas of Cumbria by encouraging old buildings to be brought back into full productive use and create new employment in these areas”.

*for details of these areas see http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20070107.htm

For more information contact Lynne Fox on 01539 726624 or lynne@crea.co.uk. Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, Lakeland District Business Park , Mint Bridge Road , Kendal LA9 6BR .