<Back                                                                                         Wheatsheaf Meadow House - Update

13th December 2011
Jarvis Contractors are 3 weeks ahead of plan, thanks to the good weather. They are pushing to finish the erection of the timber frames on plots 1-8 and to make them watertight, to enable the laying of the ground floor insulation and scray.
Stripping out of the remaining old block of WMH is underway and it is anticipated demolition of this block will start this week. If progress continues, they anticipate completing all works in June 2012
NHH are checking the feasibility of the new street name Chapel Close, and it is anticipated in Feb/March, advertising banners will be erected on the perimeter hoarding.
Jarvis thank the residents of Periwinkle Close  for their patience over the parking and access issues, caused by the works, and remind the residents Jarvis would like to solve any problems as soon as they arise.
It is anticipated work will cease on December 23rd, and restart on January 4th to afford everyone on the project and residents a peaceful festive season.

9th August 2011
Jarvis Contractors and North Herts Homes would like to inform the public that demolition work has now commenced on the site. The solid hoardings will be completed within 2 weeks, however in the meantime a harris rail will be erected as soon as possible as a temporary measure around the site.  For health and safety reasons, with immediate effect, the site is off bounds to the public, and under no terms should the public enter the site, even whilst the harris rail and hoardings are not in place. This is to guarantee the safety of the public and site workers.
Additionally the Parish Council would like to thank the individual who returned the wood from the bench overnight, enabling them to be reunited with the frames. It is much appreciated.
 
8th August 2011
Work has commenced at Wheatsheaf Meadow House. From Tuesday 9 August, contractors will commence erection of hoardings around the site to secure it. The Parish Council has removed items to be recycled within the village. Unfortunately wood, from two of the three benches, along with paving stones have been removed without permission, by members of the public.  The public are reminded that the site remains the property of North Herts. Homes, and any items removed from the site without prior permission are classed as theft, and will be reported to the Police. The Parish Council would appeal to the person who removed to the wood from the bench to simply return it to the site, that it might be reunited with the frame and then taken to be used within the village for the benefit of all. Should anyone have any specific request to remove any item from the site, this should be addressed to our representative Dr Robert Davidson, who can liaise with North Herts. Homes for permission. Permission will depend on if the item in question is part of the demolition contractors agreement with North Herts. Homes.
Due to the erection of the hoardings, which will close of a section of the roadway in Periwinkle close narrowing it to 2/3 its normal width, the public are urged not to park in Periwinkle close, anywhere near the site, or on Royston Road itself.

3rd August 2011
Rowan Homes and Jarvis will commence work in the next 14 days at the Wheatsheaf Site, to prepare the site for dismantling, in accordance with the demolition plan. Initially, items to be reused within the village will be stripped out, along with an internal strip out. Simultaneous to that, a hoarding will be erected around the site perimeter, adhering to the Highways  boundary and sight lines on Royston Road and Periwinkle Close.
Dr Bob Davidson has agreed to continue to be the main point of contact between the residents and the contractors for the time being, and can be contacted on robert@rotta.fsnet.co.uk

8th July 2011
 Around 20 residents from Periwinkle Close and Royston Road area around Wheatsheaf Meadow House met with North Herts. Homes and Jarvis Construction representatives on Thursday 7 July at the Reading Room.
Finley Wood, from Rowan Homes, a new subsidiary of North Herts. Homes and Richard Moulson from Jarvis Construction, explained the process and general site management of the forthcoming redevelopment.
The development has been delayed due to common pipistrelle bats which were found roosting in the East Wing of WMH. These bats are protected under European law and cannot be disturbed during their maternity roost period every summer. However now, pending issuance of a bat licence, it is expected that a phased redevelopment of the site as presented last year at the public consultation in the village hall, will commence mid August.

The bats however have not had the last word yet, and it is necessary, for Jarvis to work around them, meaning a longer than usual build time for the whole project, and a not so straightforward building process. The main stages of the process are:

  1. demolition of the west wing of WMH

  2. commence construction of plots 1-8 which will run along the roadside of Royston Road

  3. plots 1 & 2, on the site immediately adjacent to 14 Royston Road will only be built at this stage to floor level. As they are in the flight path used by the bats to gain access to the East Wing of WMH

  4. In October, once the bats have left the maternity roost, Plots 1 and 2 will be completed as quickly as possible, and will incorporate within the loft space, a specially design bat “hotel”, literally a new home for the bats if they return to roost next spring.

  5. Once the Bat Inspector is happy that the new building containing the roost will be completed, in time for the new maternity season, the East Wing will be demolished and work commenced on plots 9 & 10.
 During building, the site will be screened off with a 2.4m safety barrier around the perimeter of the site. This will contain inspection windows to enable the public to view into the site at strategic places. As part of the development, the bus shelter adjacent to the site will be moved slightly as it encroaches on NHH land, and would cause legal complications if left in place.
Jarvis Construction stress that there will of course be disruption and noise. however, they will endeavour to minimise all nuisances whenever possible, with noise and dust controls. Whilst work will commence at 7.30 each morning, noise activities will not be permitted before 8am. Deliveries to the the site will be controlled so as not to create early morning nuisances. There may be limited weekend working. However, Jarvis will ensure residents are informed of these dates in advance.
Mr Moulson made it very clear that Jarvis and its staff will be well briefed and respectful to their surroundings, and assured everyone that they very much will be easily contactable in the event of a problem, and will endeavour to work with the residents around the site to try to eliminate problems before they arise, particularly those related to car parking.
The project, due to the work around for the bats, will be completed in early June 2012. Whereupon the village garden space set aside by Rowan Homes, will be handed over to the village, under an initial 5 year lease, and a competition run in cooperation with the school to design the garden, which Rowan Homes will then construct and plant out.

 Site plans - Plan 1 - Plan 2

5th July 2011
 As part of the preparatory works to commence redeveloping the site, surveyors shall be on site, on Wednesday 6 July, to conduct a full drainage survey.

 4th July 2011
Please note the meeting in the Reading Room has been inadvertently advertised as a public meeting.
The meeting, is being hosted by Barkway Parish Council on behalf of NHH and Jarvis the contractors, and is intended as a meeting for the householders on and around the site who will be impacted by the site, and require to know how the phased development will be conducted. Due to the limited space in the Reading Room, we therefore urge interested residents, not living within  immediate vicinity (100metres of the site), to please co-operate and refrain from attending the meeting, to give those who will be directly impacted, the optimum benefit and opportunity to meet with the contractors.
 For all other interested residents, Barkway Parish Council will publish a report on the meeting with the contractors, on this website on Friday 8 July.

2nd July 2011
 The work to redevelop Wheatsheaf Meadow will commence within the next 4-6 weeks subject to the completion of certain paperwork by North Herts. Homes and the Contractors Jarvis.
We are inviting residents around the site who are most likely to be affected by the works, to a meeting with North Herts. Homes and the Contractors, to explain the works schedule, arrangements and program management, and to answer any questions or concerns, residents may have.
The Meeting will take place in the Reading Room on Thursday 7 July at 7.30 pm
Please note there is limited room and a lack of seating in the Reading room, so the meeting will be standing only.
1st June 2011
 In the coming months, after over a years delay, due to the Government’s spending review and bats, we finally expect to see work start to redevelop Wheatsheaf Meadow House. The original plan to produce eight affordable homes on the site along with two full market properties was no longer financially viable due to cuts in housing grants and the number of market homes has had to increase to six leaving us with just four affordable homes. This is very disappointing but, for economic reasons, understandable.   We are very much aware of the shortage of affordable homes in Barkway. We are continuing our discussions on how, beyond Wheatsheaf Meadow House, we can fill this shortfall, to enable people growing up, or with increasing families, who are unable to purchase properties in Barkway, to have the ability to stay in the village through affordable home schemes. Of course, at the same time, ensuring that we do not  spoil our lovely village with large developments. We are pleased to say now that North Herts Homes (NHH) anticipate being able to commence work in August. As this is finalised, we will arrange with NHH and the contractors to meet with the residents who live around the site, to explain how the work will commence, and to answer any questions or concerns.

25th January 2011
 Planning Permission has been granted for the new houses on the former Wheatsheaf Meadow site,. However a number of pre-commencement conditions have been set by NHDC, which may mean that the anticipated commencement of works in March, before the bats return, may be missed.
Additionally. due to Government cuts in budgets, there are staff shortages at Natural England, who are responsible for issuing “Bat Licences”, without which work cannot commence.
The services to the building will soon be cut, with the intention to begin dismantling in March. However, if the pre-commencement conditions and Bat Licence are not issued in due time, it will mean a delay in the project until August at the earliest, when the bats leave the roost.
Whatever the timescale, in order to maintain security and integrity of the existing building , NHH and the contractors will erect a safety barrier around the works site in March.
Due to this it has been decided to postpone the meeting for the residents around the site, until the timescale is more transparent.
The Parish Council is in daily contact with the project leaders and will keep you updated via the website.
If you have any queries, please use our contact page on the  website, or email parishcouncil@barkway-village.co.uk

21st January 2011
The Parish Council is pleased to announce that the first £21,000 of funds for the Pavilion Project is “in the bank”.  This follows the signing of a Section 106 agreement with North Herts. Homes and North Herts. Council, this morning at Letchworth, by Cllr Dr Bob Davidson and Cllr Gordon Baker. Section 106 is a sum of money, calculated upon the value of a development and paid by the developer as mitigation for the impact of the development on the community. Usually this money would be split into different funds which can then be allocated to projects within the Parish. However in this case, following months of careful planning, negotiation and cooperation between the partners involved, it was agreed that Barkway Parish Council could receive the total into one project fund, namely The Pavilion Project. The signing of the Section 106 agreement paved the way to the granting of Planning Permission to North Herts. Homes, to begin to redevelop the site, to deliver 10 new homes to Barkway, including affordable homes.  As previously announced, regrettably, the cancellation of all housing grants by the new Coalition Government means that there will be fewer affordable homes available within the new development than first anticipated. However, this is the vital first step in seeking to fulfil our housing needs in Barkway, in a manageable and sustainable way. Included within the plans will be a Village Garden, which will be created by North Herts. Homes  in conjunction with the community, to provide a relaxing area for everyone to enjoy.

The bat’s mating  season, creates a very tight timescale when works can actually commence. However, it is anticipated that dismantling works will commence in mid March and construction will take place over the summer and into autumn. A meeting will be held by the Parish Council, North Herts. Homes and the Project Manager, in the Reading Room in early February for all residents who live around the site, to explain the demolition and building schedule, and how the works will be conducted, and to answer any questions about the programme. The date of this announcement will be made as soon as possible.

22nd November 2010
As we have learned the Government has, as part of its cutbacks, suspended all grants and funding for the creation of new homes. This has an impact upon the redevelopment of Wheatsheaf Meadow House.  North Herts. Homes have submitted their planning application to NHDC and it is progressing through the Planning Permission process. However the cutbacks have forced NHH to reassign the share of market and affordable homes on the site; an absolute necessary step to ensure the whole project remains economically viable. The consequence is that the number of market houses will have to increase, from 2 to 6 properties. Of the remaining 4 properties,  2 properties will be available for shared ownership and 2 for full rent (these will now be 2 bedrooms and not 1 bedroom convertible to 2 as previously intended). Click here for a revised plan

Whilst this is disappointing, it is encouraging that we will still deliver part of our housing needs, and are now working diligently with North Herts. Homes and North Herts. District Council to identify a plot where we can construct the other much needed affordable homes, to meet the full quota of our housing needs.

We will keep you informed of developments.

2nd November 2010
We can confirm that the planning application has been submitted and it is currently being verified by NHDC.  

14th October 2010
North Herts Homes has now received the go ahead to submit planning application for the affordable homes development on the Wheatsheaf Meadow House site at the latest by the end of next week. All being well, the application will enable timescales to be met and for work to start on site in March 2011

17th August 2010
Over the summer, studies and surveys of the bats who have taken up residence in Wheatsheaf Meadow House have indicated that around 60 Common Pipistrelle bats are roosting in the southern gable end of the existing east block. The study has shown that this is a maternity roost occupied by females and their pups. What this means is that unfortunately, a further delay is enforced upon North Herts. Homes, and they are forced by legislation to announce a further delay in the program. It is now anticipated work will commence on the redevelopment in  August 2011. NHH homes and the Parish Council  are equally disappointed  and frustrated by this news, particularly since it follows on from  very enthusiastic feedback about the new development after the recent open day in the Village Hall. However both the Parish Council and NHH we are committed to delivering the new affordable homes at the earliest opportunity possible and are pressing on with the necessary preparatory work, which includes an archaeological survey which will take place week commencing 23. August 2010 and will take around 5 days to complete.   As always will keep the community fully informed of developments, via the village website and notice boards.


12th August 2010
The ongoing survey into bats that have taken up residence in Wheatsheaf Meadow House forcing delays in starting work on the site, has revealed a maternal nursing roost of around 80 bats. The bats are protected by law, and the latest discovery means that the start on the redevelopment of the site, to provide affordable homes in Barkway, must now be pushed back to August 2011. This is a disappointing delay for North Herts. Homes and Barkway Parish Council, but we are committed to the project to deliver the new homes just as soon as we can. To avoid any confusion, we would like to reiterate that there are no plans to use the building in any way whatsoever whilst we must wait to start work.

5th June 2010
The Consultant Ecologists and Wildlife Biologists have advised us that they will be carrying out their second bat survey on the evening of Monday 12th July arriving around 8.30pm.

21 June 2010
The open day held by North Hertfordshire Homes, Vincent Gorbing Architects and Barkway Parish Council on Saturday 19th June was very well attended by the public Around 50 visitors attended to view plans for the redevelopment of the site, with 10 new affordable homes.  The public were able to consult directly with the project manager, scheme architect and representatives of the Parish Council to make their comments and suggestions regarding the project. Results were very positive and there was a general acceptance of the proposed redevelopment. Due to the presence of a rare species of bats in the Wheatsheaf building it is unlikely that work on site start until early 2011, as North Hertfordshire Homes are required to comply with European protected species law. However, it is clear that the public very much look forward to the new homes being built. Comments received from the public at the event will be included in the forthcoming planning permission. Click here for the latest layout and floor plans and here for more visuals.

9th June 2010
Please note that geological studies to check for state of ground in around Wheatsheaf Meadow House will start on 17 June. These are necessary to assess if there is any ground contamination of the site, and it is a legal requirement. This is needed in case the developers have do clear up any contamination created by the building when they redevelop the site.

10th May 2010
 North Hertfordshire Homes, Vincent Gorbing (architects) and Barkway Parish Council invite you to an open day to view and discuss the redevelopment of the former Wheatsheaf Meadow Site, in Periwinkle Close. This will be held in the village hall on Saturday 19 June from 10am-12noon and 1-3 pm. It is a chance for the community to view, discuss and comment upon the plans for the redevelopment of the site, aimed to deliver much needed affordable accommodation in the  Parish.

 12th March 2010
As the community knows by now, following closure of the Wheatsheaf Meadow property in 2009, this site is to be redeveloped. There has been countless speculation as to how, however we are pleased to now inform you that after months of working in close co-operation with North Herts Homes we have agreed a concept for the redevelopment of the site which will see the dismantling of Wheatsheaf Meadow House and the creation of 10 new, much needed, affordable homes on the site.

The Parish Council has been working with North Hertfordshire Homes and North Herts. District Council for some months now  and the plans are near a point where the new development satisfies our criteria.

We can confirm that the dismantling of WMH building will not take place now until early 2011. This is due to the discovery of bats in the roof space of the property, which means a lengthy study over the summer before the bats can be rehomed. The property will NOT be used in the meantime..

10 new houses will be constructed to meet the needs of the village as identified in our Housing Needs Survey; a mixture of market and affordable properties with 2-3 bedrooms with preference given to local residents. NHH has worked closely with the Parish Council and at our request has not overcrowded the site. The new houses will face onto Royston Road, with gardens and parking to the rear. They will in effect restore Royston Road to how it looked before Wheatsheaf Meadow House was constructed. Their construction will compliment the design of houses already in the village and create a new gateway to the village. In addition, they plan to provide space on the site for a “village garden” where we hope we can see young and old work together to create a further asset to the village.

The plans are not finalized yet; the fine detail is not in place. That will take some more time, but you can view the proposed layout of the development by clicking here

Once the plans are furthered and pass a pre planning application meeting with NHDC, NHH will hold an open day in the village hall, for the community to come and view the final concept. We will of course advertise this nearer the time.

Should you have any queries, do contact the Parish Council, using the "contact us" page on this website.