£75k project to repair wall at wedding venue farm
SMDC approve £8k grant towards scheme
A RURAL farm that specialises in weddings is to take on a £75,000 historical project.
Heaton House Farm in Rushton Spencer is to reinstate a historic garden wall.
Members of the Moorlands Partnership Board, which is run by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, have now approved an £8,000 grant towards the scheme.
Speaking at the last meeting of the Board, regeneration officer Joanne Brooks, said: “An application has been received from the owners of Heaton House Farm in Rushton Spencer to reinstate a historic garden boundary wall.
“The property offers an imposing and historic farm complex which is now used as a wedding venue. It is neither listed nor in a conservation area but has historical value. The farmhouse was constructed in 1824 and by 1851 it was a working farm and home to a local surgeon.
“In 2003 the farm was converted to a wedding venue and since then the farm buildings have been converted to accommodation and the complex extended. The farm complex was originally contained by a significant sandstone wall.
The property offers an imposing and historic farm complex which is now used as a wedding venue Joanne Brooks
“However, in 1970 parts of the boundary wall were taken down and replaced with a concrete block wall for agricultural purposes. The owners wish to remove the concrete block wall and reinstate the historic decorative hand dressed sandstone wall, (which also acts as a boundary wall) at Heaton House Farm. The wall is road facing so offers a significant visual enhancement to the public. It will be matched to existing walls which have been refurbished 20 years ago.”
Two estimates were received for the works, the lowest of which totals £75,000 (exc of VAT).
Members of the Board were recommended to approve a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £75,000 (exc of VAT). The work will be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions: All new materials brought to site must be approved with the regeneration officer prior to construction of the wall.
The exact height profile and coursing to be agreed with the regeneration officer prior to construction of the wall.
Pointing mix and appearance must be agreed with the regeneration officer and a sample panel approved.
Any planning consents required are obtained prior to the construction of the wall.
Board members unanimously agreed to approve the grant.