Current Plans

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Given the planners reluctance to allow lettings I will now be simply using the building as my own holiday home and slowly upgrading the utilities for more environmental long term use.

Sadly many trees on site were vandalised between March and May 2020 by persons unknown (not NT, Electric provider or local farmer). The rational is beyond me. I have now cut them down and will be replacing them with many more native species taking advice from NT tree specialists over next few years. 

The 'filter pit' was full of debris from the building decommission. This was cleared summer 2020. I now have the go ahead from Environment Agency to replace septic Tank for a modern waste treatment plant and rainwater collection system to be located in this pit during summer 2023.

When the building was decommissioned much of the concrete rubble was simply pushed outside and down the bank, or into the 'filter pit'. This has been dug up and reused to build a retaining wall along the front bank. It now needs time to reseed the grass.

I had envisaged insulating and fitting out the internal space significantly in the initial years. This is not now likely given planning reluctance so will aim for a slow upgrading internally when convenient.  Initially this involves creating comfortable and improved sleeping space which I have achieved in the short term by storing caravans. 

The deeds hold an obligation to keep the 1000 meter long  road up to the Filter House in good repair. During 2020 significant sums were spent replacing all of the blocked culverts and fixing the worst of the road damage. This Culvert repair above, just outside the front gates by the footpath turnoff is my favourite.

The fabric of the building needs constant maintenance in such a harsh location. Since purchase we have replaced both the front door, the barn doors and the steel lintels above these. The eves facia will need maintenance or replacing soon and the windows need constant work.

Over years the rear of the property suffered from slow subsidence of the bank above. This created potential damp issues. That was resolved summer 2022 with the insertion of a soakaway drain along the rear of the building in line with the new future proofing foul drainage system, that will link to replacement treatment plant.