Considers the implications for rural business of the amendments to planning policy guidance in rural areas announced by government in March 2001. "PPG7: Farm diversification and BMV land" has been amended to encourage diversification, and to bring rural planning policy into line with EU schemes, and the provisions of the Rural White Paper. Provides a useful listing of the main changes to PPG7. These include, for instance, clarification of the policy on the re-use of rural buildings, and the protection of BMV land. One notable change is that PPG7 states local planning authorities should be supportive of farm diversification schemes for business purposes which are an appropriate size for their rural location. Also makes reference to PPG13 and includes details of the rural considerations contained within this document. For further details on planning policy guidance visit: http://www.planning.gov.uk, or: http://www.epolitix.com/forum/royal-institution-of-chartered-surveyors.