Dunster Tithe Barn - Feasibility Study

Building Condition Survey as Prepared by Shapland's - Chartered Surveyors.

     This Contained the following Statements:-

    " Instructions.  In accordance with instructions received from the Dunster Tithe Barn Steering Group we have inspected the above property and carried out a Building Condition Survey to be used as a guide to assist the Steering Group and their advisers.  It is our understanding that the wish is that this Tithe Barn should be a Community Centre but the full proposals and facilities proposed have yet to be agreed.

     Conclusions.  This is an important village building which now needs significant refurbishment, and a community use would seem to be ideal, subject to the appropriate funding provision.  As advised previously, the intention of this report is to point to matters for further consideration.

We must point out that our surveyor was not able to inspect those parts of the property that were concealed, hidden, covered or inaccessible, and, therefore, is unable to report as to the condition of such parts.

  H B Shapland FRICS 10th June 2002 "

Feasibility Report as prepared by Mitchell Architects

     This contained the Following Statements

     " 1.  Introduction 
As a result of an Open Public Meeting on the 10th May, 2002, called by the Parish Council, a Steering Group was established to look into the feasibility of adapting, and in part converting, the former Tithe Barn into a Community Centre for the Parish of Dunster.  Following on from that, the Steering Group subsequently asked Mitchell Architects to prepare a Feasibility Report, including the preparations of design drawings.

     2.  Terms of Reference  

     2.1  To prepare plans and drawings for the Steering Group.  This is to enable them to assess the suitability of the Tithe Barn for its proposed use as a Community Centre for the village of Dunster, and with which they could approach the Crown Estate Commissioners with a view to entering into a long lease.  In addition they would also be attached to funding applications.  Finally, we were instructed to approach the Exmoor National Park, as the local Planning Authority, and obtain their opinions and support for the project.

     2.2  It will be appreciated that this report has been prepared within a reasonably short period of time and it has not, therefore, been possible to investigate thoroughly all aspects of the proposal.  The content, however, should enable basic decisions to be made so that detailed design proposals can be developed.

     6 Conclusions

     6.1  Taking the above factors into account, we consider the Steering Group is justified in their impression that there is strong and widespread support for the Project in the community, as is evidenced by letters from a number of organisations and groups in the village, and from the Exmoor National Park Authority.

     6.2  We are of the opinion that all matters relating to planning and construction can be resolved satisfactorily, and the proposals are practical and are a firm basis for further consideration.

   7 Instructions

     7.1  The design proposals are essentially provided to assist discussion and to assess the viability of the venture.  It is emphasised that they are prepared so as to be possibly modified by the input of the Steering Group and are not intended to be definitive or final designs.

     7.2  We would be pleased to develop studies or expand on any aspect of this report.  We await your further instructions.

     MITCHELL ARCHITECTS 2003 "