FAQ

Q. What will happen to the existing Victory Hall?
A. The existing hall will be sold with outline planning permission for conversion to a single dwelling. The new owner will have to obtain detailed planning consent for any proposed changes. Approval for major changes is extremely unlikely as it is located in a Conservation Area.

Q. What will users of the hall do once it is sold?
A. A key condition of sale is that the existing hall remains available for normal use by the community until August 2009, by which time the new hall is scheduled to be completed. The new owner will only take possession in August 2009 so there should hopefully be no interruption in access to facilities for the user groups.

Q. Is a straw building suitable?
A. An increasing number of straw bale buildings are being constructed in this country. They have been in use in various parts of the world for hundreds of years and, properly constructed and cared for, they can last as long as conventional buildings. More information about straw buildings is available via the link to www.amazonnails.com

Q. What about fire risk, rain damage or rodent infestation?
A. The building will meet all the necessary building regulations. Tightly-packed straw bales do not burn easily and are actually less of a fire risk than conventional materials. Rain damage is prevented by designing the building with good roof overhangs and ensuring that the external walls are properly rendered. The lowermost row of bales is elevated about 0.5m off the ground to prevent ground water invasion. The render that prevents water ingress also prevents rodent ingress.