Don't put the champagne on ice just yet.

The good news is that we have had correspondence from our planning officer.  The bad news is that our idea has been completely kicked into touch.  Why?  Well there is a question!

In summary the points were: -

-          Either preserve or enhance the character of the area

-          Should not be located on the northern boundary

-          Retain gate onto Higher Backway

-          Trees and site strategy

-          Bulky mass & incongruous style

We knew that the whole planning thing was going to have it's ups and downs but the real point we don't understand is we not interested in 'making a huge statement' to residents of Bruton.  We don't consider ourselves brash or into heavy duty bling and effectively we're being told either recreate a style of olde worlde or go for some thing bold and contemporary.  What happended to looking at the past of different architectural styles adding a twist to use some modern day materials and hey presto you might have something that makes a statement about the people wanting to live in the house for a long time.  Oh arse!

Saying that I consider this to be round one or maybe the first punch has been thrown.  We've got time on our hands and we know there has got to be some compremises but I'm not living in either a glass box or something that looks like an airport.

Tom has suggested going more modern and using the north south side of the garden in a curve.  In the past he has understandably created ideas more to gauge our reaction (occassionally complete distaste) to then be able to rule out that concept.

-          A more contemporary style building to enhance the local character

-          Reduced elevation on the northern boundary

-          Retained gate – but still make a new one

-          The shape of the building has been shaped by the Monterey Cypress’ root protection zone.

-          More dynamic in styling

And now for a rather pleasing image taken from my iphone - well it cheered me up!