Selfbuilder_and_Homemaker_-_September_-_October_2019

surrounding countryside.

Despite the fact that when purchased the

property was in a very poor state of repair, the

couple still faced objections when they applied

to renovate and extend it – even though from

the road all that can be seen is the front

elevation, which still retains the original 150

year old cottage’s bucolic charm, and a wall

that formed part of the 110 year old barn.

However, working with planning department

and their architect, objections were overcome

and neighbours soon became fascinated by

the works.

“It was really exciting to see my original

rough-sketched concept brought to life by the

architect’s rendering,” says Jodie.

The planning application was a rollercoaster

and took six to seven months to get passed.

“They were very strict on what we could do –

the roadside appearance had to stay the

same, even down to how we replaced the air

bricks on the wall of the barn,” says

Mark.“Working with the rigidity of it was hard,

but we had a cracking architect in DnA Group

from Chester; Mark and Rachel helped us fight

for the planning.”

The local authority stipulated the necessity

for a bat and barn owl survey, and an

archeological survey, although no issues were

found that delayed or changed the plans.

Once the build project was progressing the

couple left their previous home and moved in

with Mark’s parents to be closer to the site,

hoping that shortly it would be advanced

enough for them to move in, with the project

continuing around them.

Once the works were finally underway, they

thought it was going to be an easy ride – but

the original builder laid a traditional

foundation, and Jodie and Mark discovered to

their dismay that a reinforced raft foundation

was required. The resulting works to take out

and replace the foundations added £10k to the

build cost. “Do not rely solely on your builder

for information; establish the legalities of

things,” advises Mark.

After the problems with the foundations, the

couple parted ways with the builder, and a

frustrating, dormant few months followed. But

with great timing, one of Mark’s best friends,

Tom, set up a building company, Prestige

Building Services, and they knew they could

trust him!

Tom arranged all of the work, which was

carried out on site by Tommy, who kept the

OPEN

The open-tread hardwood

staircase leads up to a glass-

balustraded landing – adding

further to the property’s open

plan airiness

The installation of

the windows seemed

to mark the change

from a building site

to a prospective

home

72www.sbhonline.co.uk september/october 2019