John Bradley Associates Architecture Practice based in Shipston On Stour

Following submission of our report and recommendations for the restoration of the cob walled cow byre, Natural England have confirmed their acceptance and have instructed JBA Ltd to proceed with Phase 2. 

Phase 2 requires the detailed production drawings and specification of materials to enable suitably experienced craftsmen to tender competitively for the works. It is envisaged that works will commence on site in early April.

JBA Ltd is delighted to have been appointed to provide a Management Plan for the proposed restoration of an early Cow Byre of Cob Wall and Thatch construction at Tidmington Farm, Shipston on Stour.

The first phase will involve identification, evaluation and understanding the separate historical, wildlife and landscape values of the building such that there is an appropriately detailed record of any structural or internal features of historical significance.

The drawn document will form a permanent archive record of the building and serve to form the basis for the second phase which will entail the provision of a detailed Specification and Schedule of Works, Tender and Report to carry out works required to bring the building back to good repair based on the "informed conservation" approach and having due regard to the information and evidence gleaned during phase 1.

The intention is to complete both phases according to a brief provided by Natural England such that the resultant works will be eligible for grant funding.

As we head in to the Christmas holiday period, work begins to slow down in readiness for the closure of the site. Since the last update the Contractor has progressed well, with the external and internal walls of the lower ground floor now complete. 


The blockwork for the internal and external walls for the ground floor are reaching ceiling height and the external stonework is coming out of the ground. The garage is approaching wall plate height and the roof should be commenced in the early New Year.

See the slideshow for some of the latest pictures.

Group Directors Bruce Frizzell and David Holland met yesterday with Counsel from No5 Chambers in Birmingham to discuss commencing a judicial review in to procedural irregularities in relation to a dismissed appeal. Following a lengthy discussion it has been resolved to press forward with seeking a judicial review and to seek After The Event insurance to cover the costs. 

The Group Directors are also attending a briefing session provided by No5 Chambers next week on the mechanics of bringing and defending High Court challenges to administrative decisions.

The application for 5 zero carbon dwellings has been submitted and validated by Stratford District Council. to see the full details follow this link http://apps.stratford.gov.uk/eplanning/AppDetail.aspx?appkey=LT7KVNPM0A800

Taking advantage of the recent good spell of weather has allowed the contractor to bring forward the completion of the lower ground floor. The ground around the pool has been back filled and compacted, a layer of hardcore laid with the steel reinforcement sat on top and then backfilled with concrete.

Watch the new slideshow on the current projects page.

After a long design period we are near the point of submitting for planning permission. The proposed development of 5 new homes designed to the Code for Sustainable Homes level 5 will be submitted in the next few days.

Works continue at a pace with the construction of the new house. The foundations for the garage are in place and the ground floor beams are being installed over the next few days.

The pool shell is complete and the lower ground floor structural retaining walls are being brought up. Watch the slideshow on the current projects page.