stevemac

How much land and at what cost for the lot? You can PM me if you feel comfortable to be able to tell me. I would not be offended in any way if you chose not to disclose. I know that location makes a lot of difference, Its just for the green pile I have enclosed here, I'm seeking prior approval with a view to making an offer for it. I have no idea as I don't tend to undertake these projects that often. ? I worked out a rough square metre2 for the plot and coverted to acres, its about 0.9

All good stuff, I'm copying all of this to word doc's in my barn folder.

Will, do that would be most interesting to watch and perhaps inspiring given the daunting prospect I might be facing. ?

Thanks for all of that advice, very useful here. CIL Grrr! Mezanine would be a calcuable factor by the looks of things. I'll plug on andf take my local auhtority to task and see what they have to say.

Very nice homage to that style of barn

Bingo!

I suppose a call to Malvern Hills might settle the matter. Are you saying that some councils try to apply rules that they should not?

Now, I did not know that... doh!

Excellent and good luck. These buildings when converted sympathetically are one of the best applications of this sort of work. Unlike brick and masonry, they will rust away and their pleasing shapes will be lost forever from our landscapes eventually. Amongst the various projects that I am condidering is a similar structure. I say considering because of the open ended and potentially expensive reports that will have to be compiled, and then there is the CIL to pay of course. All of this cost and the potential for no time constraints for some of the surveys is a bit off putting. The other issue is the sheer size of this barn. Otheriwse my plan mirrors yours, though I have not sought prior approval yet, though the barn has it's own dedicated and very private drive, electricity and water. We would retain the green paintwork and the existing shape completly. Well done, brilliant project! Steve.

That is a posh piggery and what wonderful Ashlar work too! It's easy to forget how much time and effort went into making agricultural buildings fit for the estate they occupied. It would be a lovely building to build. The photo I have enclosed is a similary delicious use of stone and Ashalr work, just down the road. This is also in Sandstone and like your ruin- looks good enought to eat!

Quite right. There certainly is an increasing disincentive for many skilled and competent individuals from attempting the restoration of listed buildings. Not because of the physical requirements for those restorations, but because of the ever increasing tyranny exercised by regulatory bodies. I am losing interest in pursuing derelict, or abandoned listed buildings therefore. The picture of the granite 15th century granite farmhouse is something I am currently pursuing. However my enthusiasm is dampened some-what. It is 2*, so it is one of only 5% of all listed buildings. As a consequence, even though I am prepared to finance and rescue this building, there may be onerous restrictions on any material changes to the interior, which is 18th century generally and dreadful. Very little of the original structure exists and the roof now sits on softwood pine, rather than oak, or elm. Though I am prepared to cut and create an authentic roof with my own sawmill, the awful non-original interior of stud walling and sub-divided rooms will have to stay, though the listing exists for the remarkable exterior and building itself, rather than the much later un-remarkable interior. Also, the exterior of the building now comes under scrutiny and the land adjoining it. I may be banned from the building, whilst an open ended bat survey takes place with no limit on time and budget. The trees would be subject to surveys and preservation orders and then there would be the need for impact assessments for bio-diversity and flora and fauna and toads, newts, etc. I'm all for the preservation of wildlife and what-not, but it can occur that you can be saddled with enormous costs in time and money that have a significant impact on your project. A friend of mine face bankruptcy though she observed due diligence because of these scenarios. It may feel as if the house you call home is out of your control and influence. The there is the need to preserve the narrative of change. An unknown quantity for any restoration. The picture I have enclosed is of the Doctors House, in Great Witley, Worcestershire. A fine grade 2 building, significant in its stature and design and history. A husband and wife team sought to restore it and restore the original plum coloured welsh slates as seen elsewhere in the village. (Those slates had been replaced in the 1970's by hideous concrete pantiles). Needless to say, the conservation dept. of Malvern Hills insisted that “The character of the original building is much enhanced by the introduction of those concrete tiles and the-fore any replacement will have to be in the same, or nearest materials available. The tiles tell a narrative which enriches our architectural landscape" Fair enough if that replacement material, or 'improvement' has merit, or provenance, but really? Is this a good judgement when all is said and done? The house has remained empty and abandoned after its new roof as shown.

Brilliant, I can talk historic fabric and stonemasonry, carving and sculpture all day long. Cheers Russell- Steve.

Using Helifix allows for flexing down the joint, but I would tooth the new stone into the original fabric to avoid an unsightly joint running down. Best wishes- Steve.

Hello there, thanks for your greeting. I would be very happy to see your cottage and thank you for offering to share that. It's great to be so involved with others who have such similar interests. It's always interesting to look at all work regardless of age, genre, style,design and location. Best wishes- Steve.

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