Wickham Hall | Construction Strategy and Technical Design for a Diversifying Historic Farm
F & FE Harvey | Bishops Stortford | Hertfordshire
“Designing and building commercial developments in 2019 is a complicated and bureaucratic process which requires attention to detail and the ability, experience and knowledge to anticipate problems before they become too difficult or ultimately insoluble. Elliot Payne and his team do this for me and allow me to get on with the work I am best at. They take the stress out of the job and I have full confidence that with their input we will deliver the buildings we need at a price we can afford”
Agriculture and Economy, Archeaology and Ecology
Wickham Hall is diversifying to meet the needs of adjacent Bishops Stortford as it grows beyond its bypass and towards the farm. Diversification for Wickham Hall began with the renovation and rehabilitation of two large thatched barns that are central to the site but had become far from central to the operations. The use of theses barns for alternate modes of productivity has introduced commercial and leisure activities to the site alongside the farm.
The farm at Wickham Hall is home to six listed buildings ranging from the C16 farm house through the C17 barns, dovecotes and pigeon lofts. Archaeology as part of our facilitating works uncovered the remains of a roman yard and its placing and formation suggested that the site may hold remains of higher significance. Furthermore the farm also hosts a range of ecologic assets from its ancient oak to its wild pools accessed and utilised by a wide range of flora and fauna.
Wickham Hall is a complex site, and as such development control has been stringent, to ensure that any development is suitable for the nature of the site. Understanding the site, the history, ecology, farming practices and the potential futures for the site has been key. Our work for the client begins at the end of the first phase of diversification and looks to assist the implementation of phase two.
Delivering Buildings within Complex Parameters
Our approach and involvement to date:
To assist the client in managing the complex parameters and multiple stakeholders in the diversification of their family run farm. Within the unpicking of project provide technical and professional support and information.
Understand the client’s development landscape and review the planning information and consents obtained by their land agents Sworders, on behalf of the client.
Develop aids for understanding the timing and inter relation of the planning consents against realties of Natural England licences, farm schedules and pragmatic timings for undertaking works.
Produce the technical ‘construction’ packages for two new buildings and two listed buildings, totalling 500m2 to house a restaurant, gym and a new headquarters for a successful online jeweller.
Assist the client and Hertfordshire Archaeological service in determining how to approach the uncovering of a Roman Yard discovered under the footprint of the new restaurant building.
Provide high level information to the client and his in-house groundworks team about preparatory site works, construction of swales, landscaping, sewerage works and planting.
Planning submission of building updates and management of building control processes
Manage the division of work packages to best suit the clients in house capabilities and attitude to risk.
Tendering of building information to local building firms for pricing and letting of contract.
