High Bickington Project 2000 and Parish Plans

Outline Planning Application: It had been hoped that the application would have been considered during February but, at the time of writing, it now appears that this will be deferred to a date in late March. One of the reasons for this further delay is a late decision, by Torridge District Council, to re-advertise the application as a 'Major Development, within the conservation area, effecting the setting of a listed building'. Another is the need for the plans to be considered by a County Council Commitee on March 10th 2004. Issues relating to sewage disposal, drainage and site access are being considered as part of the design process.

Appointment of Project Co-ordinator/Administrator: Following a very large response to our advertisement we were able to draw up a very strong short-list of 5 candidates for interview on 17th February. As a result of those interviews we are very pleased to be able to announce that David Venner has been appointed to the post and will be taking up his new duties shortly.

Appointment of Project Management Consultants: Six firms submitted competitive tender bids for appointment as Project Manager and other professional duties relating to the Construction, Design and Management Regulations under the Health and Safety Acts. A short-list of four firms made presentations to an appointments panel on 23rd February and Head Projects, a Bristol based firm, have now been selected to help us implement the proposals contained in the Parish Plan.

Legal Matters: The Project's Legal Advisors have now produced both a first draft of the Heads of Terms for a 'Joint Venture Agreement' - that identifies the contractual arrangements between the various parties involved in the Project - and also draft rules for the proposed High Bickington Community Property Trust. All the parties are now carefully considering these documents prior to the legal and contractual arrangements being finalised.

The Overall Design for Little Bickington Farm: Architects employed by Devon County Council are continuing to work on the overall design scheme for Little Bickington Farm and it is hoped that this work will be far enough advanced for further consultation within High Bickington in March or April. Please watch the local notice boards and leaflets through doors for details of the finally agreed dates and times.

Visit by Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life: We now have a provisional date of 18th March for a possible visit by Alun Michael MP.

David Brown - Chairman High Bickington Project 2000