Progress Report: February 10
This has been a quiet time after the granting of planning permission by Tandridge District Council [TDC] on
18th December 2009. Details of the application, comments and approval can still be seen on the TDC web site,
using reference number 2009/1327 in the planning application search box, then clicking search, then view details
then view application details.
This month...
The Finance Team is meeting to review the Project Budget. The Fund Management team is meeting to coordinate all the appeal activities. The Architect has invited quotations for the first group of technical surveys required (asbestos
survey and soil investigation).
The Architect has invited quotations for a detailed bat survey during the summer season (a condition imposed by TDC).
Other improvements include...A copy of the car park lighting report was sent to the Diocese to forward to the architect who is reviewing the car park (and access road) completion. Final measurements have been taken for the translucent blinds to be fitted to the south windows in the church to reduce glare.
We are still awaiting confirmation of the final configuration of the double glazing for the hall windows and doors.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
Progress Report: October-November 09
THE ARCHITECT has prepared the final documentation for the formal planning application to Tandridge District Council, the application has been received and validated by the Planning Officers.
The eight week statutory period for determining a planning application would expire around Christmas time, so I do not expect a decision until the New Year.
Meanwhile fundraising continues with another quiz night, and investigations continue into double glazing the hall windows and upgrading the hall heating.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT
Progress Report: August-September 09
A - INTRODUCTION
We are preparing the final documentation for the formal planning application to Tandridge District Council.
B - PROGRESS
1) Planning:
The response to our pre-application meeting with Tandridge District Council was on the whole positive, but confirmed the Council’s adoption of Green Belt policies for Felbridge. The report recommended that we include a bat survey and a Statement of Need (to demonstrate the very special circumstances that justify expansion in a Green Belt area) in our submission.
We received three quotes for the bat survey ranging from £1,754 to under £500; so no prizes for guessing which quote we accepted!
We have submitted our final thoughts on the justification of the development to the architect, who will incorporate them in the overall Statement of Need.
The architect has also prepared a Housing Needs report - which assesses the planned building developments in the five District Council areas that are within 10 miles of St John’s. The report confirms a significant increase in the number of dwellings that will add to the pressure on community facilities.
2) Design:
We received a report from Michael Cade Associates, a building services consulting firm, which contained useful information on the options for heating the proposed Church Centre. One option would be to replace the electric fan heaters with fan coil heaters and a gas fired hot water boiler, which should improve the reliability of the electricity supply in the hall.
3) Church improvements:
The architect has invited a church lighting consultant to visit St John’s and report on possible improvements that could be included in our submission of the Church Centre Project details to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for their approval.
3) Hall improvements:
The Fabric Team have obtained quotes for replacing the hall and crèche room glazing units and doors with double glazed panels as part of the ongoing maintenance. These would increase the insulation of the hall and contribute to a reduction in heating costs.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
A - INTRODUCTION
Building Progress Report - July 2009
Quite a lot has happened, but not much progress.
B - PROGRESS
1) The architect - is still awaiting a response from the Local Planning Authority
2) Hall improvements:
The 80 chairs were delivered but 29 were rejected due to an accident during unloading the lorry. Although the chairs arrived stacked on two pallets, the pallets were not evenly loaded. One pallet had 20 chairs (4 stacks of 5) and the other had 60 (4 stacks of 15). The driver off-loaded the pallet with 20 chairs first; but when he had manoeuvred the pallet with 60 chairs out of the lorry onto the tail lift, and before he lowered the tail lift he lost control of the fork lift device so that the pallet tipped off the raised tail lift, hitting part of the first pallet, and ending up on its side. Fortunately no one was hurt. When we had removed the chairs and examined them individually (after the lorry had gone) we stacked them on trolleys and discovered damage to 29 of them including: Legs completely bent Legs distorted so the chairs rocked on a flat floor Bottom of the legs and the plastic protectors distorted Backs of the chairs scraped on the tarmac Chrome legs deeply scratched Distortion to the frame so that the chairs did not stack properly Chair back loosened The supplier replaced the damaged chairs very quickly, and without question, but I could have done without that bit of excitement!
John Grainger (Chair CCPT) July 09
Building Progress Report - June 2009
A - INTRODUCTION
By the time you read this the approval of the building plans will have moved a step closer.
B - PROGRESS
1) The architect:
(a) Has completed the few minor alterations to the drawings.
(b) Met the Local Planning Authority (Tandridge) on 21st May for a pre-application meeting
2) Hall improvements:
(a) Adapting the trolleys to ensure the stacks of chairs do not slide off was completed
(b) New hall chairs delivered
Building Progress Report - May 2009
A - INTRODUCTION
The process of obtaining approval of the building plans continues, meanwhile we have commenced researching improvements to the church and existing hall.
B - PROGRESS
1) The architect:
(a) Has continued with the few minor alterations to the drawings.
(b) Is arranging a date for a pre-application meeting with the Local Planning Authority (Tandridge)
(c) Will arrange for an estimate of the upgrading of the hall electrical system to meet the short term need and long term plans
(d) Will arrange for an estimate of improving the lighting in the church
2) Hall improvements:
(a) Adapting the trolleys to ensure the stacks of chairs do not slide off continues
John Grainger (Chair CCPT) 6 Apr 09
Building Progress Report - March 2009
The process of obtaining approval of the building plans continues, meanwhile we have commenced improvements to the existing hall.
PROGRESS
1) The architect:
(a) has commenced the few minor alterations to the drawings.
(b) is investigating the cost of a pre-application meeting with the Local Planning Authority (Tandridge)
2) A member of the PCC attended a fund raising seminar organised by the architect and reported to the PCC and the Fund Raising Team
3) Hall improvements:
(a) a set of four wheel platform trolleys, for storing and moving the (new) hall chairs, has been delivered
(b) Harold Thomas is adapting the trolleys to ensure the stacks of chairs do not slide off
FORECAST
1) 80 new chairs will be ordered when the trolley modifications are completed.
2) Existing chairs will be offered to local charities, members of the congregation and local recycling groups
3) The application for planning permission is delayed until April, and the result is not expected until June
John Grainger
Building Progress Report - January 2009
A - INTRODUCTION
THE PUBLIC EXHIBITION of our plans stimulated many useful remarks from the visitors, and the architect has been busy incorporating the comments in the latest set of drawings. We are now very close to finalising a scheme that could be presented to the local planning authority for planning approval. The PCC does not meet until the 27th January, which is after the deadline for submitting this article, so if you are interested in the outcome, read the weekly Notices Sheet available at our Sunday services.
B - 3D VISUALISATION
If you missed the exhibition, but have access to the internet, you can still see a computer graphic "tour" of the church with the proposed buildings (before the latest changes). Go to our web site www.stjohnsfelbridge.com and click on the link Visit animation, just above the picture of the church, then click the 'play u' button. This animation was prepared by Jon Toogood; you may have spotted an article in the January 8th edition of the East Grinstead Courier and Observer which featured an article about our plans with a 'still' from the video.
C - PROGRESS
I) The Project Team met on the 29th November to resolve the outstanding issues and their report was circulated to the PCC.
II) The issues raised by the Project Team were discussed with the architect on the 15th December.
III) The architect issued revised drawings on 8th January incorporating:
An improved roof line
An increased social area with an improved north porch access
An idea of a first floor with space for meeting rooms and/or a studio flat
D - FORECAST
Subject to PCC approval, we hope to initiate the process for planning approval in February and we should be able to report the result at the annual church meeting in April.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
Building Progress Report - November 2008
A - INTRODUCTION
Since my last report for October (a) there has been a major change in the planning policy adopted by Tandridge District Council and (b) three meetings were held that have continued the process of approving the latest scheme prepared by the architect, Derek Kemp.
B - PLANNING POLICY
Tandridge has just adopted its Core Strategy which is the first of a number of documents which together will comprise the Local Development Framework (LDF). It appears that the designation of land that was Green Belt Settlement is changed to Green Belt. Therefore planning policy has moved to a less favourable position because being within a green belt settlement there were allowances for community facilities where as now the church hall is simply within the green belt where it is more restrictive. We shall have to wait and see how the new policy is implemented.
C - PROGRESS
I) A User Group meeting (involving 16 people) was held just after writing my last report. The main comments affecting design included:
Outside €˜soft’ play space required plus a €˜garden area’ for children.
Space for wheelie bins (recycling and landfill) possibly outside Room 2.
Space required for coats at two heights (for adults and children).
Possibly double the cupboard storage at end of hall.
Possibly increase size of a room by reducing the width of the corridor.
I am very grateful for the time and constructive comments made by the members of the group.
II) A public exhibition was held on the morning of Saturday 15th November. Nearly 70 people came to view the five stalls plus a video presentation (and to sample the refreshments!). My grateful thanks to all those who helped in the preparation of the event and on the day itself including:
Derek Kemp, the architect, for his patience in explaining the proposals.
Jeremy & Stephonie Clarke who supplied the stands and excellent information on the history of the church.
Jon Toogood for his considerable time in creating a stunning computer graphic impression of the existing and new buildings.
The 22 people who recorded their comments on the proposals.
Overall, the remarks were very positive; the main criticism was with the treatment of part of the roof (and of course, the funding).
III) At the PCC meeting on 18th November, members agreed that
the Project Team should resolve the outstanding issues,
the worship area should be improved as well as the hall,
replacing the hall glazing façade should be part of the hall development,
the contribution from the Diocese should be reviewed.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
Building Progress Report - October 2008
A - INTRODUCTION
Since my last report for September, the process of approving the latest scheme prepared by the architect, Derek Kemp, has continued.
B - PROGRESS
- We received the report of the visit by members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), including our Archdeacon Danny Kajumba, to St John’s in August. The report was factual, but supported our impression given during their visit that they liked the proposed scheme and the reasons for it.
- A User Group has been set up to assess the functionality of the proposed plans and a meeting arranged for 14thOctober.
- A public exhibition has been planned for Saturday 15thNovember from 10 to 12 noon in the church hall, and the architect Derek Kemp has agreed to attend.
C - FORECAST
October - User group reports to PCC
November - Public exhibition
November - Next PCC meeting
John Grainger (Chair CCPT) 12 Oct 08
July-August 2008 report
A - INTRODUCTION
SINCE my last report for May - June, the PCC decided that the latest scheme prepared by the architect, Derek Kemp, should be developed in sufficient detail so that the process of approval by members of St John’s, the Parish, the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee) and Tandridge District Council could commence.
B - PROGRESS
- The Quantity Surveyor (Martyn Tickner) submitted his cost estimate for construction based on completing the project in four separate phases
- A cost report (ie the building costs plus professional fees and other expenses and contingencies) was presented to the PCC at their meeting on 15thJuly. This demonstrated that the cost for Phase 1 (extending north of the church) was approximately £ ½m.
- The PCC approved the proposal that the architect should develop the outline design in three stages
Informal approach to Local Planning Authority and DAC
Public exhibition
Formal planning application
4 A meeting with representatives of the DAC was arranged for 19thAugust
5 A Statement of Need (required by the DAC) was drafted
C - FORECAST
September - PCC review feedback from the visit by the DAC and plan the next stages
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
May 2008 report
A - INTRODUCTION
SINCE THE architect's first visit in February 2007 to conduct interviews with church members he has submitted an Option Study with four sketch plans, a revised (reduced cost) scheme with three sketch plans, and then a modified scheme (the eighth sketch plan) combining various aspects of the previous versions. The objective was to find the optimum solution to our needs that would form the basis for obtaining a preliminary cost.
The fee for a quantity surveyor to price a scheme is around £1,000, so it was important for us to have a viable plan to work to. This does not mean that the plan is fixed, only that the Church Centre Project Team and the PCC believe that the scheme does satisfy our needs and therefore this is the appropriate time to obtain a clearer understanding of the costs involved. The church itself remains unchanged.
Our needs were identified as (1) improving our hall facilities with better kitchen, toilets, storage and easier access & circulation, (2) enlarging our hall spaces to improve flexibility for teaching and social functions and to provide a facility for the community in and around Felbridge to use.
B - THE SCHEME
The scheme has a larger kitchen and toilets, additional storage, a main access at road level from The Glebe and an internal platform lift that replaces the steps from the Old Vestry to the hall. The scheme adds three new spaces - two rooms for teaching/meeting etc, and a social 'lounge' with facilities for making light refreshments, and a separate toilet. During the week this arrangement provides the main hall, an office, two meeting rooms and the social 'lounge'. For Sunday morning services, the office could be used as the crèche, the hall and two rooms used for the three youth groups, and the social 'lounge' for refreshments afterwards.
C - PROGRESS
1 Derek Kemp completed the revised sketch plan
2 The PCC agreed that the plan should be used to obtain a preliminary cost estimate
3 The architect instructed a Quantity Surveyor (Martyn Tickner) to produce the cost estimate
4 Martyn visited St John's and is preparing his cost estimate
D - FORECAST
June - QS submits cost report.
July - PCC review costs.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
April 2008 report
In March's report I summarised the report by the Church Centre Project Team (CCPT) to the PCC, and the PCC's response.
A - PROGRESS
Derek Kemp is continuing to work on the revised sketch plan.
B - FORECAST
April - Architect produces an approved sketch plan and an elevation.
April - CCPT report to PCC
May - QS submits cost report.
May - CCPT review costs and submit report to PCC.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT )
March 2008 report
IN FEBRUARY’S report I summarised the three options proposed by the architect for us to consider.
Progress
The Church Centre Project team (CCPT) held preliminary meetings to discuss the options, and agreed that there should be:
- ¨ At least a two phased construction (retaining the existing hall and two rooms in Phase one.)
- ¨ A €˜good standard’ of connection between the new build in Phase 1 and the existing structure.
- ¨ The existing €˜Old Vestry’ could be used as the new Vestry.
- ¨ An office €˜cupboard’ could be created within one of the new rooms.
- ¨ A minimum of two new rooms in Phase one.
- ¨ Provision for an access to rooms on the first floor (in a future phase).
- Outstanding issues to be resolved are:
- ¨ Location of main entrance.
- ¨ Visual impact of main entrance.
- ¨ Access for disabled.
- ¨ Floor level of new hall area.
Further information will be available in next month
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
FEB 2008 report
In last November’s report I outlined the programme for the architect to produce further options for a new hall. Unfortunately there was a delay in the production of the site survey drawings due to the death of a key family member in the land survey firm.
Progress
The land surveyor completed the site survey in November.
The architect received the survey plans on 17thDecember.
The architect presented his €˜Reduced Scheme’ options to the PCC on 15th January.
Architect’s €˜Reduced Scheme’ Options
These three options were prepared as a result of a discussion with the Architect (outlined in my October report) and the site survey. All three options involve
Leaving the church as it is now
Keeping the hall at the existing level
Improving access for disabled persons including a drop-off lay-by in The Glebe and a footpath from the car park
Providing a €˜cloister’, linking the hall to the north porch
At least a two phase construction for the hall
Phase 1 the kitchen, hall entrance, store cupboard and toilets are rebuilt and enlarged
Phase 2 the remainder of the hall is upgraded with new roof and wall cladding
Estimated costs for Phase 1 range from £550,000 to £700,000
Forecast
The CCPT will review the further options and report to the PCC on 26thFebruary
Public exhibition likely to be held in Spring 2008
Worth thinking about?
Some of you may have received the Winter 07/Spring 08 news letter €˜Between Friends’ from the African Children’s Choir (ACC). It has an outline of a new ACC Academy for 200 pupils to be built near Entebbe, Uganda. The plan shows buildings include an assembly hall, choir training hall, dining hall, administration centre, class rooms, dormitories, nursery school and staff housing. The cost? Less than our Phase 1!
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
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Progress Report - November 2007
LAST MONTH I wrote about the process for the architect to produce further options as a result of our initial response to his first four options, described in the September edition of Parish News. The sequence of events was as follows:
Appoint land surveyor to produce accurate drawings of existing buildings
Architect to submit new proposals for review by the Church Centre Project Team (CCPT)
CCPT to report to the PCC on 20th November
PCC to review the options
Public exhibition of the options sometime in January/February 2008
Progress
The standing committee met on 28th October, and approved the appointment of the land surveyor recommended by the architect.
The architect will send his further options to the CCPT in December (the delay is due to the work load of the land surveyor).
The CCPT will report to the PCC on 15th January
Public exhibition likely to be held in February 2008
Meanwhile, if you have any queries or concerns, please speak to a member of the CCPT (Stephen Bowen, Chris Bowes, Andy Brown, Peter Burton, Malcolm Francis, John Grainger, Ann Morley, Steve Partridge, Philip Tadman) or a member of the PCC.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT
Progress Report - September 2007
AT THE END of September a number of crèche leaders and helpers met with me in church to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various proposals for the location of the new crèche room.
In early October four members of the Church Centre Project Team (CCPT) visited the architect at his office in Eastbourne and put forward a number of ideas including:
- Phased construction (to enable an earlier start on the project).
- A single main entrance from The Glebe
- Different locations for the crèche room outside the church
- Better use of the €˜choir’ area
- A social space outside the north wall of the church
The architect, Derek Kemp, welcomed these ideas as he had anticipated we would respond to his initial proposals with further suggestions to explore. He agreed to draw up some more options for us to consider at no additional cost (apart from expenses) as the cost of this work was included in his initial fee.
In addition, at our request, he agreed to obtain quotes for a full survey of the existing buildings to enable a scheme design to be prepared.
At the PCC meeting later in the month the following process was agreed:
- Derek Kemp would send his further options to the CCPT in early November.
- The CCPT would report to the PCC meeting on 20th November.
- The PCC would decide when to hold a public exhibition of the options.
Further details will follow, but in the meantime, if you have any queries or concerns, please speak to a member of the CCPT (Stephen Bowen, Chris Bowes, Andy Brown, Peter Burton, Malcolm Francis, John Grainger, Ann Morley, Steve Partridge, Philip Tadman) or a member of the PCC. John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
Progress Report - July 2007
This is the first Project report since Margaret Malcolm's article in the February Parish News. Margaret described the background to the appointment by the PCC of an architectural practice - Church Projects Limited (CPL) - to prepare an Option Study for our new Church Centre.
A lot has happened since then, and this report is a summary of progress and the options proposed by CPL in their Option Study.
Progress
In February and March, Derek Kemp (director of CPL) visited St John's and interviewed 87 people to ascertain their views about the life of St John's and the project to rebuild the hall with additional rooms to provide a Church Centre facility.
In May:
- CPL issued a draft Brief for comment and/or changes.
- The PCC established a new Church Centre Project Team (CCPT).
- The CCPT returned the draft Brief to CPL with their recommendations. The Brief excluded any reference to turning the church seating round.
- In June, CPL completed the Option Study which comprises 210 pages plus 10 pages of photographs and includes plans of four options for consideration.
In July:
- Derek Kemp gave a presentation of his Option Study to an expanded PCC meeting
- During the next PCC meeting (1) the Study was reviewed and a brainstorming session held to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each option; (2) each section of the Study was allocated to a small group for more detailed examination.
In early August, the CCPT met to begin the process of reviewing the four options and developing our own suggestions for further study by the architect. This review included:
- Combining a number of individual features from CPL's four options
- Reducing the overall scale of development in order to reduce costs
- Examining ways to phase the construction
- Considering the visual impact from the A22
- Assessing pedestrian access from The Glebe and car park
CPL's Four Options
The features common to all four options are:
The church seating remains unchanged, with minor adjustments as noted below
A two storey building extending east to the car park wall and north to the boundary wall with The Glebe, but with a flat roof area to allow daylight to reach the east window
A lower floor level at the same level as the nave
Two entrances, one at nave level from The Glebe, the other from the car park level (with a lift serving ground and first floor levels)
A hall of similar size to the existing, with at least four other rooms
A circulation/social space, large enough for refreshments after services, but separate from the hall
Separate, larger toilets for men, women and disabled
A large kitchen (about three times the area of the existing)
A total floor area at least double the existing space we have
A high cost!
Option 1 - has the hall facing east plus five rooms (eg vestry, office, crèche and two others)
Option 2 - has the hall facing south plus seven rooms (eg vestry, office, crèche and four others)
Option 3 - has the crèche at the centre west end of the church behind a triple glazed wall, the hall facing south plus four rooms (eg vestry, office and two others)
Option 4 - similar to Option 3, but the crèche is at the north-west end of church, and a "cloister" is built adjoining the north aisle and side chapel, linking the north porch directly with the hall and enabling extra church seating to be used in the side chapel area
Further details will follow, but in the meantime, if you have any queries or concerns, please speak to a member of the CCPT (Stephen Bowen, Chris Bowes, Andy Brown, Peter Burton, Malcolm Francis, John Grainger, Ann Morley, Steve Partridge, Philip Tadman) or a member of the PCC.
John Grainger (Chair CCPT)
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Progress Report
