Ménages and Stables

November is drawing to a close, the Christmas songs are now on the radio-great for the first week but after that the novelty wears thin - Bah Humbug!!!

Over the last week we have been very busy, compiling quite a few planning applications ranging from two ménages and two sets of stables, (one in Lambourn and the other near Blackpool) which confirms that distance is no object. We have also compiled many extensions to both homes and factories.

The construction team are progressing very well in London, The extension is water-tight with some areas plastered out and drying very well.  The kitchen, bathroom and some very special radiators are enroute for delivery next week.  Without “blowing our own trumpet”, I really do think that the finished project will be stunning.  This will be immensely satisfying as the client is simply one of the kindest and nicest clients we have had over the last ten years.  She has spoilt the lads with biscuits and all sorts of goodies, and they weren’t just any biscuits, they were M&S biscuits (as the advert goes).

We also gained planning approval for schemes from London to Stratford-On-Avon.  The London scheme is for our client based in Italy. Now that planning has been approved we will progress onto the Building Control compilation and submission.  Meanwhile we are obtaining competitive quotations for the construction works.

Works are also progressing well on the conversion of a barn into a dwelling; we poured the floor slab last week with some six lorry loads all pumped into place in the space of a morning - great work chaps.

It’s amazing how different planning departments deal with applications, some being very proactive and helpful, whilst others are just simply dire.  I think the Government should have a name and shame list, I know we have one in the offices!  I can only see the problems with some of them getting worse as the cuts increase. 


 Oh well onwards and upwards, I’m off for a mince pie and cup of tea! 

Planning and Building Regulations for Extensions

November is now upon us. It is Bonfire Night and the children are very excited. It is really noticeable how early it now gets dark. 

The veterinary practice/clinic refurbishment has finished and they are currently open for business. All of the staff have confirmed that the finished building is ‘… simply beautiful’ and that they ‘…love it’ so a big pat on the back to all those involved especially the builders who performed admirably. Well done chaps.

Works are progressing well at another site in London. The builders managed to get the loft conversion watertight before the rains came and the ground floor extension should be watertight by the end of next week, ‘fingers crossed’.  At this stage there should not be any “surprises” and the reinstatement and extension works should progress well.  The client seems very excited as they begin to see the works taking shape.  All projects have milestones, and now that we have created the shell the client can start to visualise the size and shape of the proposed extensions.

Further planning applications were submitted this month ranging from new dwellings to extensions. All are very welcome and we look forward to securing the best solution for our clients.

We also had a great recommendation from our clients in Spain. We secured planning permission for a small flat development for them in the UK which they have just sold netting a respectable profit, so congratulation to all.

Last week I had a telephone call from a client who I had not heard from for over a year, I was stunned when he told me that his partner had died of cancer in that period. She was only 41, simply tragic.  I suppose if there is anything to learn/take from this it is that life is short, be kind to all and if you can help someone, then do so.

The rugby’s finished. England suitably underperformed (but not as badly as the cricket team last month!). We will have to wait and see if the England management setup gets changed.