Survey & Design

2022 has seen a continuation of the numbers of new survey and design instructions, as well as general enquiries, similar to the volume received at the end of 2020 and in early 2021.

Instructions for pre-purchase surveys have continued. Whilst the volume has levelled out slightly in recent weeks, the numbers certainly haven’t fallen away.

Class Q approved on both the above.

Class Q is still not permitted for those areas within an AONB but they are permitted within Phosphate restriction areas where other residential development is currently restricted.

Instructions for design work are continuing to rise. We are seeing an increase in continued instruction following successful planning work the Firm had carried out in previous months. This includes designs for new and replacement dwellings, discharge of planning conditions, as well as the development of technical designs for building regulations approval and construction purposes.

The department will be looking to expand in these busy areas over the course of 2022 and into 2023. For survey and design enquiries, please speak to a member of the team.

Despite the uncertainties in the wider economy, it has been another very busy year for the Farm & Rural Finance Team in Symonds & Sampson as more of our farm and estate clients take steps to mitigate the impacts of the falloff in subsidy incomes over the coming years.

We have worked with some really vibrant and forward-thinking businesses looking at ways to improve efficiencies within their current business, pursue new income streams taking advantage of a relatively favourable rural planning regime or simply investing in land and buildings to expand the scale of the business.

Amongst some of the more interesting funding proposals we have been involved in the last year are the following;

• Development of holiday accommodation across Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall

• Purchase of land for a ‘wild camping’ venture

• Conversion of former farm buildings for residential lettings

• Purchase of an industrial investment portfolio

• Investment in technology including robotic milkers and improved farm waste systems

• Purchase of a public house

A proposed purchase of a diverse rural estate in Scotland

Did you know that all our Rural Finance specialists are also qualified Chartered Surveyors and Valuers who understand farm businesses and property matters to provide a full wrap around service for those considering a specific investment or just looking to explore their options?

If you are contemplating a new enterprise or land purchase, or just looking to review your current business finance, contact us for an informal discussion - without initial cost or commitment.

Neil Gladwin 01884 218911