Rural estates

Across Britain, much of our landscape is rural, and much of that land is owned and operated by large estates. Such estates make important social, economic, and environmental contributions to society, and it is in the national interest to ensure that they are utilised effectively and to their full potential.

Rural diversification, and the exploration of new business streams and income streams, has become increasingly common over the last two or three decades and plays an important role in sustaining many rural estates.

This research considers recent and future growth in the tourist sector and then focuses in on the economic benefits of diversification into tourism, and in particular the benefits arising from the development of tourist accommodation and other associated tourist attractions and facilities. It then considers planning policy and how new development can be successfully promoted through the planning system.