What a process!  Getting planning permission was hard enough, but getting Faculty permission from the Diocese was tortuous!  Nevertheless, we now have both – albeit with a number of conditions to fulfill on Lambeth’s side.  These include providing a very thorough energy and heating strategy before any work is done above ground, and making sure that all aspects comply with the Police’s Secure by Design standard.

Last week GEA came and dug four boreholes to check what our ground is like.  As expected, there were traces of building rubble in the first metre, but below that was solid clay. The company are now doing a closer sample analysis back in the lab, and will also return to check the water levels in the holes. The holes ranged between 4 & 6m deep.  You can see more pictures and read the commentary here: “What Lies Beneath“

Just submitted our application to enter the Jewson Building Better Communities competition!  First prize is £50k in building materials & cash.  Will we be the ONE?

A key aspect of our project is that it is a community self-build. So it’s great, even at this early stage to have people involved, sharing skills and time.

Thanks to Kevin, who spent an afternoon making a topographic survey, and his friend, who transferred the data into a usable format.

Thanks to Heath, who surveyed the drain runs, and to Hilary and Purnima who measured all the boundary fences.

Thanks to RIchard & Lucy who have used their experience as planning consultants to offer invaluable help in our planning application.

We are tremendously excited to announce that the Walcot Foundation has decided to award us £40,000 over two years in recognition that our project will help get young people into work by training them in both “soft” and “hard” skills.  Walcot don’t only give money – they also give on-going support.  Their application process was quite demanding, but they were extremely helpful throughout, and we look forward to continuing partnership.

We have also been awarded £7,000 by All Churches Trust which is slightly bigger than their average donation.

Many thanks to all our supporters.