How to Diversify – From Concept to Completion

Speakers: Anthony Pearce (Dudley Peverill Associates), Dawn Woollam (DPA Consultant), Ed Daniell (Rural Space), Iain Hawthorne (Aravis UK), Simon Kinvig (Pegasus Group)   At the Farm Business Innovation Show, this panel brought together diversification experts from across planning, finance, design, and rural enterprise explored how landowners can unlock new income streams through thoughtful, phased development. […]

Navigating Planning Challenges for Equestrian Units

In recent months, the number of inquiries from equestrian sites and businesses regarding diversification and redevelopment has significantly increased, and with good reason. While equestrian enterprises can be highly successful, they occupy a “grey” or convoluted space within UK planning policy, more often than not falling outside the permitted development rights afforded to agricultural sites […]

Pitchcott Farm

Pitchcott Farm – Courtyard Redevelopment Redeveloping a redundant Victorian courtyard into a multifaceted rural hub centred around nature connectivity, education, and wellbeing. Project Particulars Client: Private Landowner Location: Buckinghamshire Pitchcott Farm is a 160-acre grassland holding in Buckinghamshire with a disused Victorian stable yard and two adjacent concrete-framed agricultural buildings. Whislt historically, the business has […]

Class Q: Elevating Rural Property Through Smart Planning and Permitted Development

At Dudley Peverill Associates, we often meet landowners and farmers who know their agricultural buildings are underutilised, but don’t know how to unlock their value. Changing the use of redundant farm buildings can feel like an impossible task when faced with financial or planning challenges and unknowns. Are Your Buildings Working Hard Enough? If you […]

The Tees Solicitors Farm Survey 2025

The insights from the Tees Solicitors Farm Survey 2025 powerfully underline two critical trends we actively support: the proactive pursuit of professional advice and the strategic embrace of diverse income streams. The survey clearly shows that larger farms are significantly more forward-thinking in seeking professional compliance advice. Beyond general agronomy, a higher proportion of large farms […]

A Day at Ascott Estate with CLA

Remaining relevant On Wednesday June 18th, our Managing Partner, Antony had the pleasure of attending the CLA South East AGM at the beautiful Ascott House and Gardens in Buckinghamshire, a remarkable estate that welcomes over 45,000 visitors annually through its house and 300-acre garden, gifted to the National Trust in 1947. The house remains the […]

The Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 – 2026

A second round of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) has been launched for the 2025–26 financial year, bringing with it new opportunities for rural businesses and community-led projects. While the total funding is less than provided within round 1 (£110 million), with round 2 providing £33 million in capital funding available across England, the […]

What Does This Labour Government Need to Do to Make Diversification More Appealing to Farm Businesses?

When Defra officials recently suggested farmers could boost profitability by making crisps or gin, it triggered justified eye-rolling across the farming community. While adding value to produce is a valid route to diversification, it’s not a silver bullet and it certainly isn’t universally applicable. With a new Labour government in post, the question isn’t whether […]