We became aware that this plot might be available back in the summer of 2006.
Around a year later we agreed to buy the plot which was part of a planning application for around 9 dwellings, all on reasonably sized plots. From this point on, we had some input in to what we wanted from the plot as we are friends with the owner.
Because we are in an area governed by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA), there are strict guidlines concerning new builds and, in fact any changes to existing properties.
These guidlines can be very frustrating, especially when you've seen something stunning that you really want - blame Grand Designs! There are several ideas we'd have liked to incorporate but would have had no chance of having Planning Permission granted
However, we think that the role of the PCNPA is very important to preserving our environment and have been happy to get the most out of this plot that PCNPA would allow.
The plot was sold to us as fully serviced and has gas, electric, BT, water & sewage to the plot entrance.
Full planning permission was granted on 15th October 2007.
The plot became ours on 3rd April 2008.
Building Regulation Plans were approved on 14th May 2008.
On 29th August, nearly 12 weeks after we had paid Welsh Water £1112.00 to connect less than 2 metres to our tap, boxed, insulated, trench to the correct depth, we finally had water to the plot!
We had decided from the outset that we weren't capable of Project Managing ourselves and selected 3 local builders to tender.
Price wasn't the most important in making the decision but, one quotation was far greater than the other two. In the end, we chose the more expensive of the remaining 2 because we felt we would have a much better working relationship.
During August our builder, Richard, cleared the top soil, had the drive area filled with hardcore and generally got ready to start building. The weather was awful - the worst August in over 30 years and we wondered if building would ever start!
MONDAY 8th SEPTEMBER.
Work started - it took all day but, the trenches were dug and then... a PCNPA chap arrives on site to say that he has had a complaint from a neighbour that our new build is not sited correctly on the plot! He took many measurements and said he'd call back within the hour. Great News - he confirmed that the siting is correcct! The NHBC inspector came on site late afternoon and passed the groundwork for the footings.
