A bat survey of the building is now complete. It found that evidence of bat roosts exists so, although of low conservation significance, a licence will be required to derogate an offence being caused during construction. Two soprano pipistrelle bats were seen during the emergence surveys. However, as no maternity roosts were present, the building presents low hibernation potential and there will be no constraints on when work can start.
We are just about to start the detailed design work on our plans which are currently being reviewed by North Devon District Council (planning no. 77097). We hope to have a position from them in early September. In the meantime, we have received a letter of wholehearted endorsement and support for our plans from our local MP, Selaine Saxby.
On the funding side, the Expression of Interest submitted for funds from the Government sponsored Community Ownership Fund has been accepted and we have been invited to make a full application. It must be made during one of their funding windows, the earliest of which will be in September.
The NL Reaching Communities application has been submitted and we will have to wait 12 weeks to see if our bid is accepted to proceed to the next stage. We keep our fingers crossed because there is an 80% rejection rate at this stage.
We are delighted to report that, in spite of the changeable weather conditions, the Garden Show and Fete was very successful with over 250 adults attending with their children and raising about £1,400 for the village hall. A very big thank you to the Making Waves Choir for opening the Show, to the many exhibitors whose handicraft, gardening, cooking skills were on display, to the volunteers who ran stalls, to everyone who came along to enjoy themselves and to the volunteer helpers who set up the marques and stalls and took them down again. All in a day’s work!
Finally, remember that we have a live concert on Saturday 23rd September at 8.00pm for ALL THE FAMILY. Children are half-price. It features ‘The Lyrics’ who play easy listening and dancing music that appeals to a wide audience from popular artists from the 50s to 90s. Just bring your own drinks and nibbles and let’s make it a good family evening out. Tickets are from Martin – details in this magazine.
Thank you for your continued support
Chittlehampton Village Hall Trustees
