It helped the BBC broadcast its radio programmes across Europe.

Now the vast site of the former radio transmission station in the west Dorset countryside is set for a new lease of life.

The Rampisham Down site next to the A356 Maiden Newton to Crewkerne road, which extends to more than 180 acres, is on the market with a guide price of £2.5 million.

It includes commercial land, and a huge area for grazing – which could be used for a ‘recreational business’.

Rampisham Down was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2014 for its special grassland and heathland habitats.

British Solar Renewables (BSR) wanted to build a huge solar park there, but after a lengthy planning battle – in which the decision was ‘called in’ by the government’ – the company shelved its plans.

A site nearby not deemed of high importance for wildlife was instead chosen for the solar park and given planning permission.

This solar park could help to power the new venture at Rampisham Down, it is said.

All but one of the original telecommunications towers, which helped to broadcast the BBC World Service in Europe until the station was decommissioned in 2011, have been removed.

The remaining tower has become a nesting platform for peregrine falcons, as part of work by BSR, in conjunction with Natural England, to restore the land and make it a home for wildlife.

Commercial property firm Greenslade Taylor Hunt, which is marketing the site, says it has the potential for a variety of uses, subject to planning.

A spokesman said: “It has the potential to provide a unique retreat facility or conference centre, while the extensive grounds could be a great base for a recreational-focused business.”

There are approximately 10 acres of commercial land, which could be redeveloped. In recent times they have been used for open storage. The outbuildings were previously used for workshops and storage. The site generates £25,375 per annum from existing telecoms leases.

Natural England has confirmed that the bulk of the land (177 acres) is now suitable for cattle and sheep grazing and this could provide a further income stream.

The spokesman added: “Depending upon the future of electrical power and connectivity needs at the site, substantial levels of power can be made available through a direct connection into a substantial adjacent solar park. In addition the site benefits from a 100Mb synchronous fibre connection, with a secondary link in the process of being installed to provide additional data security.”