The Dairy

The Dairy is a substantial and well constructed building which could readily accommodate 2 x two bedroom mews style cottages or a large 4 bedroom detached bungalow at much less cost than the proposed development of the Barn. But this scheme is not intended to be submitted for maximum profit and for us the conversion of the Dairy is a means to an end. The creation of an attractive 3 bedroom Bungalow with an easily maintained garden plot achieves two primary objectives:

By creating an attractive fourth side to the square the future retention of this unprotected building is more likely. Without residential use this building has little or no value. The future of this building may be demolition to obtain more garden space. If that happens then we are left with a three sided square (?) and the character of the existing farm yard is lost.

The Dairy will be rendered so as to be more sympathetic to the age of the Barn and Dovecote. By creating a well finished attractive dwelling in the Dairy, the Barn and Dovecote become more desirable and so the scheme becomes viable. The revenue generated by this third dwelling is critical to the financial viability of the overall development.

It is necessary to increase the first floor space with the addition of the dormer. Light must be brought into the building by the addition of new openings to compensate for the loss of openings to the rear (West elevation) of the Dairy. These existing openings will need to be lost to ensure the privacy of the recent neighbouring build. The expansive roof will be replaced with red pan-tile to match all of the other buildings in the square.

The Barn

This building is Grade II Listed and is in an advanced state of dilapidation, within a year this building is likely to be in a state of ruin. Currently the cost of repair and conversion of this building in isolation is prohibitive. All openings have been retained and will be applied to their original use (although opaque glass will be used on the West elevation to ensure the privacy of the recent neighbouring build). The addition of some roof lights and two windows is required to allow reasonable light into the dark South west corner of the building which is overcast by the Dovecote.

The Barn will need to be re-roofed with the same red pan-tiles (unfortunately less than 20% of the existing tiles are salvageable, although this type of style and the manufacturing method are still available today). As a matter of urgency the West wall will need to be carefully deconstructed and rebuilt. Although three of the four King Post trusses have failed the trusses will be salvaged and reinstated as part of the build. Similarly the timber, structural support beams to the first floor will be replaced with similar sectioned timbers to retain the buildings original character.

The Dovecote

This building is Grade II Listed and is generally in good repair. This building will be our family’s home and it is the character and dimensions of the building that first attracted us to it. Although urgent remedial work to the tower, West gable wall, roof and floor will be essential, the fabric of this building will largely remain intact. It is intended to protect and retain some of the mangers in the building (these features will be integrated with kitchen units and a central living area fireplace. It will be necessary to allow additional light into the building via roof lights (Velux or similar). The ruined stables will be rebuilt and the “stalls” used for utility, porch and stable. The tower will need to be structurally stabilized and insulated. However, it is anticipated that the repairs will be un-intrusive and all of the Dovecotes original features will be maintained.

Conversion Interest

The Conservation Officer for the area is familiar with the Listed buildings at Thealby Grange and Conservation are keen to see the buildings saved. It is my fervent belief that these buildings can be converted sympathetically and with very little change to the original scheme of construction, doors, windows, interior features etc.

The Barn & Dovecote require immediate remedial work. It is unlikely that the Barn will survive another winter and as such will be 50% ruin by this time next year. In a ruined condition the Barn will be beyond feasible financial repair and (unless permission is given to demolish and rebuild it) the Barn will be lost. The Dovecote is in better shape but the Dovecote tower will soon fail (as I have said already the tower is beginning to shed bricks and will become a threat to the Health & Safety of neighbours). If the deterioration in the Dovecote tower continues then controlled demolition of the tower may be necessary. Two substantial single storey buildings on this site have already been lost in addition to the majority of the stable block along the East side of the square. The lost buildings represent more than 25% of the original buildings on this site (calculated by footprint).

Outline planning permission for a scheme to convert the barns & outbuildings (at the rear of Thealby Grange) to two dwellings has been granted, reference PA2004/0414. The buildings are clearly shown on the attached site plan (drawing number Dc01). Although the current permission acknowledges that all threebuildings will be developed the permission is outline only and describes two dwellings. After 6 months of design we believe that the site would be better developed by converting the three buildings to three dwellings.

Although The Dairy is included in the two dwelling, outline approved scheme, no application or permission has been given to convert The Dairy to an independent third dwelling. Our scheme represents a more sustainable and modest use of the available land and buildings and will positively impact the hamlet of Thealby by preserving an historic part of the village, which would otherwise be lost.

The scheme proposed here-in will achieve the following objectives:

The buildings will be developed in a way that is sympathetic to both the legislative restrictions and the spirit of intent of the Grade II listing.
This scheme complies with all of the remarks, recommendations and legislation of the Highway Authority.
The development will be of a high quality and will be viable.
The Barn & Dovecote will be saved from further dilapidation and ruin will be avoided.
The scheme herein is sustainable and will make a positive contribution to the hamlet of Thealby.
This scheme represents the best economical use of the existing buildings and land.