Council seeking consultation for 5,900 homes plan

The following report by Matt Oliver at the Oxford Mail suggests that South Oxfordshire District Council has for the first time revealed it will consider building homes in the area that might encroach on existing Green Belt land. …read more

The Most Common Damage to Old Buildings is Often Unintentional

While the threat to old buildings in the past was outright demolition today it does not happen very often. Expansion of airports, such as Stansted, would however be something that could have a catastrophic effect on the historic built environment.

More often the damage occurs unintentionally by the way in which buildings are conserved. People use materials that don’t work sympathetically with older buildings and not just look different but perform differently. …read more

The trust at the Old Bluecoat School has announced that full funding has now been secured for the first phase of the building project which will involve carrying out priority repairs to the roof and fabric of the Grade One listed early 14th century building. The cost of the project at the Chapel Street building will be £120,000. Half of this sum is coming from the Greenham Common Trust and £12,000 from the Wolfson Foundation. Dozens of other trusts have also contributed and Veolia Environmental Trust has just announced that it would contribute £40,000 to bring the funds up to the total needed. Chairman of the Old Bluecoat School Trust, Clive Williams, thanked all the trusts which had contributed to the fundraising. …read more

Chapter Building is in Vogue

Of all the qualities to be valued in a home, one of the most prized is character. Aware of its cachet and ability to sell properties, developers and designers are increasingly seeking out and updating a variety of landmark period buildings in prime locations, replete with statement architecture and intriguing histories. But such projects are not to be undertaken lightly. …read more

Stop press

Arnen secure 10 new projects in and around the Berkshire area. More information to follow.

 If you would like to know more about this, contact us today.

Hard Landscaping Ideas

It doesn’t matter if your garden is either paved or decked, there is always room to let nature grow and flourish. That is why we have come up with several tips and pointers for you, and your hard landscaped garden. …read more

English Heritage Trust are to Survey all Grade II Listed Properties Across the UK

All of England’s Grade II listed buildings are to be surveyed by English Heritage for the first time.The body is calling for an “army of volunteers” to determine which of the 345,000 are at risk from neglect.The process is part of the body’s annual heritage risk survey but will take several years. More than 700 buildings were identified as needing attention during pilot programmes.Work has already begun on some structures, such as the medieval Holy Well in Helston in Cornwall. …read more

Protecting your Garden in the Winter

Winter weather can have a variety of negative impacts on your garden, however,  hard landscaped gardens are effected far less. Most commonly used paving stones are resistant to such weather and can last for several years before the signs of age begin to show.  A good tip is to use a liquid sealant,  sold at many garden centres,  which helps reduce the impact that icy weather conditions can have. …read more

Decorating your Hard Landscaped Garden

When planning your garden,  it is is paramount that you ensure your garden ornaments, chairs and attractions work in harmony with the existing environment.  Care should be given to the treatment of garden chairs and tables,  preparing them for the cold and wintery months, ensuring they survive for years to come. …read more