Thursday, March 25, 2010

Fordhall's stage two gets the green light!


Whoop whoo! Our planning application for the buildings has been accepted!!

For the last three years the Fordhall Community Land Initiative (FCLI) has been planning the development of the Old Dairy and other vital infrastructure improvements at Fordhall, and all this hard work was rewarded last week.

Everyone is very excited as this paves the way for the FCLI to really make the most of Fordhall.

The complete vision, that began in 2006 when the farm was saved from development, is about to turn into reality :-)

Jack Tavernor, one of our wonderful board members and chairman of our Building Working Group says "After the huge struggle to purchase the farm planning approval is fantastic news. It is an essential part of our business plan and emphasises the fact that the Fordhall Community Land Initiative is investing in its infrastructure and moving forwards."

The plan is to renovate the Old Dairy to include space for a classroom, toilets, a local food tearoom, new offices and a new farm shop and butchery. The hope is that schools will have a dry place to gather, our office will now have an indoor toilet and running water, and visitors will be able to grab a healthy and seasonal bite to eat when they visit the farm.


We are working with some wonderful people on this project including Ian from Seven Architecture and Gavin from WCP, both of whom are enabling us to stay on budget whilst creating a creative sustainable building that will ensure Fordhall remains as a beacon for community ownership across the country.
 
This a large project and it will be a large learning curve for us all, but we are looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully, by this time next year, you will be able to eat a Fordall steak sandwich or a fresh, organic tomato soup on the farm!

Charlotte

18 comments:

Penny said...

Dear Charlotte, Ben and everyone,

Many congratulations, you must all be delighted. I would love to come up
again one day and will try and do so for your grand opening at the very
least.

Ruth and Jason said...

This is awesome news, Charlotte, many congratulations!
Looking forward to seeing you again, although it now won't be at the Open Day in
July, unfortunately, as the new date doesn't work for us.
Delighted to read on your blog that the roof is finished... what a relief!
Best wishes to everyone at Fordhall and the FCLI from the Kings in Kent.
Ruth and Jason xxx

Francis said...

Dear Charlotte,

Congratulations. Unfortunately, with my wife bedfast, it is not possible for
us to attend anything.

With regards,

Francis

Sue said...

CONGRATULATIONS and well done to all of you!

Sue, Market Drayton

Liz said...

Congratulations and Good Luck to you all.
Liz,Shropshire

Robin said...

Congratulations - that is great news!

Sincerely,

Robin, Bedfordshire

Philip said...

Dear Charlotte,
That is very good news - congratulations
Philip

Bridget and Trevor said...

Congratulations to you all at Fordhall Farm.

We will await further developments.

Regards

Bridget & Trevor

Nicola said...

Fantastic news! Well done all of you for your hard work and
perseverance.

Nicola, S. Yorks

Juliet and David said...

To all at Fordhall

Congratulations! What excellent news. We look forward to further
developments.

Juliet & David Amery

Fordhall Community Land Initiative said...

BRILLIANT NEWS!

Phyl and Don

Nicholas said...

Great to hear the news about the moving on with the plans for the development of the
Old Dairy. It certainly takes a while and having to hang in, trusting that the
universe will support the new venture.
Go well and know that there are supporters out here willing you onwards and upwards!
Nicholas
West Mids

Mike said...

Super news!I am just sorry I live too far away to be involved.Carry on the good
work, and I will await news of progress with the "new" Old Diary project.Cheers,Mike
Scarborough

Susanna said...

so pleased to hear this news.
Congratulations- a real recognition of all your hard work-well done
Susanna

Penny said...

Dear Charlotte, Ben and everyone,

Many congratulations, you must all be delighted. I would love to come up
again one day and will try and do so for your grand opening at the very
least.
Penny in Hampshire

Sally and Matthew said...

Congrats from us, Matthew and Sally. Look forward to helping in any way we
can.
xxx
Sally and Matthew
Stockport

Norman said...

Congratulations! Well done to all concerned. We look forward to a future
visit with locally grown lunch (in due course!)

Norman Lindsey, Reading

Geoff said...

Many congratulations! Glad to see your enthusiasm isn't diminishing!