The Vestries: Timeline
Notes taken from PCC meetings.
1994
June The PCC proposes the formation of a Church Property Committee. One of its objectives is to determine how we can install a kitchen and toilets within the church.
1995
January We set up a Special Projects Fund for donations for forthcoming projects
1997
January: Discussions held with English Heritage concerning the possibility of building a porch on the North Door of the church with a kitchen and toilet. English Heritage agrees that it would be prepared to give 80% towards the total cost if we installed a disabled toilet. Drawings are prepared. We hope that the building will be erected to celebrate the millennium.
May: English Heritage tells us that it would prefer a larger building incorporating a hall and a crèche.
October: By now the proposed extension would include disabled toilet facilities, a kitchen and a vestry / meeting room to hold approximately 24 people. We are told that we need to compile a list of reasons why the building is required.
1998
March: We receive approval from English Heritage.
July: The quotes we receive total £150,000. We're told that we're now unlikely to receive a grant! Our Sub-Committee reconvenes to discuss this with Architect.
November: We're told that the architect had visited the Church with English Heritage. However, we still haven't received any report.
1999
January: The final revised drawings are sent to English Heritage with only two minor changes. The architect hopes to receive planning permission by March 1999, so that building work can start in May.
May: We're advised that the Architect, South Beds District Council, English Heritage and the Diocesan Advisory Council have met in church and that a fifth and final drawing had been produced. This will now be circulated for approval. The approximate cost is now £50,000.
September: The architect tells the PCC that we now have approval from both English Heritage and the Diocesan Advisory Council. The application for full planning approval is to be issued in October so building should start in spring 2000.
2000
January: We're told that the architect has advised us that plans will go to South Beds District Council in February.
March: We're told that our Sub-Committee met in December 1999 and again in January 2000 to prepare the application. We still await approval from the Diocesan Advisory Council
May: We are now on the eight scheme since we started this journey. We are asked to comment on a drawing which hasn't changed since 1988. The architects fees will be £7,000 but aren't payable until the scheme is approved. The drawing was circulated and approved by the PCC.
September: We're told that the Planning Appeal paperwork was sent in on 8th September. The Local Authority has to respond within 2 weeks with a questionnaire. 6 weeks later we should receive documentation for consideration and will then have 2 weeks to respond. Information has been sent to the Inspector for a decision, which has to be within 12 weeks of the start of the appeal!
2001
July: We're told that English Heritage hasn't given their approval. A meeting is arranged with all parties on 14th August. We're asked could we have it inside the Church or could we have an extension built away from the Church. The PCC isn't happy. English Heritage isn't happy with a building alongside the Church as it would cover a window. We wonder what we can have.
November: Three drawings are submitted to the PCC who approve a North porch with a disabled toilet and a kitchen with a pitched roof to match the current south porch.
2002
March: The PCC approves the actual plans for the new North Porch and asks for them to be put forward for planning permission.
May: The plans are still with the Conservation Officer at County Hall.
July: Construction drawings are being prepared to go to tender.
September: The Faculty is imminent and formal planning consent has been applied for. The architect is asked to have tenders ready for November meeting of the PCC.
2003
May: The Faculty Papers are completed; no objections are received. However, in the architect's opinion, the tenders that we have received have been too high. A revised drawing has now gone out for repeat tender.
November: We appoint new architects, Michael Dales Partnership. The architects produce plans for a new toilet and kitchen to be added at the back of the church where the existing vestries are situated. The estimated cost is £45,000 to £50,000. The PCC approves the plans (we have £48,750 in hand) which need approving by the Local Authority.
2004
January: The architect is asked to complete and send plans to Diocesan Advisory Council.
November: Plans are sent to English Heritage and to the Diocese.
2006
May: We're told that the plans have been approved by the Diocesan Advisory Council. The plans are now out to tender. We post Notices in case of objections.
July: We're told that the plans haven't gone to tender because funds are required to cover the application to South Beds District Council.
September: Work has been done to determine the flow of water from the Church to main drain. The Building Regulations application is in progress and we are told that the work goes out to tender next week. We should have some quotes by the end of October and so, hopefully, work could start in spring 2007. The work would last until Easter.
November: We have invited tenders from three local companies. These are due in by 12th December.
2007
January: Our Architect has spoken to the builders who produced the lowest tender and has been able to reduce the figure to £55,000. A meeting of the Churches Trust has confirmed that we don't need to pay VAT.
March: A new tender has been received. The cost is now £73,061 (it had been £59,974). This includes connecting to the drain in the road. The amount includes £3,000 for contingencies and £4,100 for architect fees but no VAT. It would be £85,000 with VAT, but we can claim VAT back. We have £68,950 available. The PCC gives the architect permission to proceed.
May: Tenders were re-submitted with amendments to the drawings. We were advised that we are still seeking permission from the brewery to break into their main drain. After some discussion it was proposed that we accept the quote of no more than £60,000 subject to a satisfactory decision from the brewery.
July: Various discussions take place with interested parties concerning the routing of the drains.
September: Discussions continue about the routing of the drains.
2008
March: The contract is signed and work should start in a few days. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 mean that we are now responsible for on-site Health and Safety. The additional costs amount to £1,065. Work should take five to six weeks. Any shortfall in funds will be met by the Betty Robinson Trust.
May: Work going well.
July: Work is very slow although it's coming on well and the results look very nice.
September: The work nearly is completed.
We celebrate the opening of the new vestries with a performance by the Woburn Sands Band. We are now the proud stewards of:
- A toilet suitable for disabled use,
- A kitchen unit,
- A new Clergy Vestry,
- A new Choir Vestry,
- A beautiful balcony.
Praise be!