Plans for the refurbishment of the shop and cafe - Welcome to Tewin Stores and Cafe

Planning the development of the Courtyard Café

Before we completed the purchase of Tewin Stores premises in Augut 2019, we had begun think about how we might refurbish the shop, improve the facilities, and enclose the courtyard so that it could be used in all weathers. Our final decision has taken into account not only the cost of the refurbishment of the building but also the importance of ensuring the continued viability of the community asset we all share.

After careful consideration of every one of 7 possible internal layouts and with the help of some initial advice from Ted Kavanagh and Martyn Perkins we made the decision in December 2019 to retain the same basic internal arrangements. This means that the courtyard, kitchen, shop area and toilet will be sited in the same areas of the shop footprint as they are now.

Whilst many details of the build have yet to be agreed, the AGM in March 2021 agreed this basic layout because (1) we know it works and (2) it is the cheapest option by far and (3) it might be possible to keep the shop open whilst some of the building works are carried out.

During January February and March 2020, coinciding with the start of the Corona 19 virus pandemic, when we all entered a new world order, we appointed local surveyor, Ted Kavanagh, to carry out a measured survey. We expected that the Planning Department would be most concerned about how the roofs looked from the road as you come into the village from Hertford and on Ted’s recommendation, we applied for pre-application planning advice from East Herts District Council on the roof elevations. Two design options were submitted on 27 August 2020..

We received planning advice on 19 January 2021. Both the Planning Officer and the Conservation Officer recognised the community benefit of the proposed development and accepted the need for the roof extension. However, they were concerned that the roof structure should not dominate or impact on the nature of the surrounding buildings and the appearance of the Conservation Area.

After initial discussions with our neighbours – Geoff Parkinson and Peter Bates – we appointed Watton based Architects, Studio C, to work up a detailed internal layout. This now includes a disabled access internal WC and a storeroom that can be accessed from the service entrance side gate.

The Planning Application was submitted at the end of July 2021.

Following comments from our neighbour regarding the boundary fence, a revised plan was submitted on 3 September 2021.

The Internal Layout

Following comment from the Conservation Officer we have submitted a further revision that reduces the height of the Courtyard roof and removes the roof lights from the shop roof.

Planning

A revised plan was submitted on 2.9.21

Revised planning drawing 3.9.21

A further revision was requested by the Conservation Officer. This was submitted at the begining of October

Rec C planning

Rev C roof abutment

More detail can be found on East Herts planning porta

Once we have received planning approval the Architect will draw up detailed working drawings. This is when we will be appointing a Structural Engineer and other proffessionals to advise us on issues such as party wall matters, drainage, heating and ventilation. All these details will be subject to Building Control Regulations.

At the same time as this is happening we will be getting more detailed build costs and applying for grants

Cost Estimates

As well as creating a covered courtyard, the plans include the demolition of the current WC and stock room, upgrading the electrics, digging down to make the floor level between shop and courtyard, rerouting the foul drain and water intake to the kitchen and toilet as well as upgrading the shop fittings so far as costs will allow.

At the time of writing, we are assuming that the build costs will be of the order of £100,000, but with increases in build costs and supplies, this may be optimistic. Kitchen fit out and any upgrading of shop equipment will be in addition to build costs