A FARMER turned property developer has unveiled newly-built office accommodation on the site of his former barns near Bedale.

In an ambitious example of farm diversification, Edwin Birtwistle hopes that the new offices at Long Garth, Carthorpe, will appeal to businesses seeking to move to a fresh rural setting, as well as to local companies looking to expand.

The development will have a dual use, however, because its internet connection and other office benefits will be available outside office hours to local people who can use a common room.

It took Mr Birtwistle and his sister, Dorothy Knightley, three years to get the £500,000 project through the local planning process.

After it was originally turned down by Hambleton District Council, they engaged an expert advocate to fight their case at a successful appeal involving a public hearing.

The two-storey offices, being marketed by Carver Commercial of Darlington, are in the heart of the countryside but have been designed to offer all the benefits of business accommodation in a more urban setting, including easy access to the A1.

Designed to resemble a high quality barn conversion, they offer the latest in communications technology, from broadband internet to a plasma screen in the meeting room. They include climate-controlled heating, air conditioning and arrangements for refreshments in each office.

Special attention has been paid to such aspects as the quality of fittings in the toilets and interior decoration, and there is full access for disabled people on both floors.

The development was designed by Robin Hall of Ripon, and built by Randall Orchard Construction of Richmond.

Mr Birtwistle owns the Long Garth smallholding with Mrs Knightley and has farmed there since 1991.

Although she lives in London, Mrs Knightley has been closely involved with the project throughout and has personally overseen every detail of the interior decoration.

At one time, Long Garth housed 600 pigs, but the volatility of that market led the brother and sister to decide to put the land to a new use.

The project was not a speculative venture.

Market research by Mrs Knightley in the immediate area showed that the growth in local housing had resulted in a significant number of people looking for reduced travelling time, less congestion in reaching work and easily available parking as well as a higher-quality working environment.

Mr Birtwistle says these factors influenced the focus of the design. "We are offering business facilities within easy reach of York, Leeds and rail and air links, as well as the A1. Businesses can operate very effectively but closer to home, and local companies can expand without having to relocate."

The project was supported by a grant under the Rural Enterprise Scheme, which involves funding from Defra and the EU.

Carver Commercial director Julie Wallin said: "Recent years have seen a trend in developing far more out of town locations for companies. This provides much-needed employment for rural communities.

"This project will benefit not just the local people, but those relocating from cities to the countryside for a better quality of life and without a long commute to work into city centres."