Not sure if this is in right section but on our farm down a good access track away from the steading there is an old building bit like and old house/bothy. I think it would have potential to become a small holiday let place to stay with likes of a hot tub etc etc. Question is what do I do first ? Never done anything like this, I’m thinking someone to draw up plans etc ?
Converting bothy to holiday let
- Thread starter valtraman
- Start date
- Location
- roe valley
Get a builder you trust. Put a roof on it make it weatherproof. Get electric and water to it. Dig in septic tank. Market it job done, say nothing dont poke the bear.
It is well roofed at moment . Electric and water run just past it .
deleted user 837354
Member
So, this place was a house but hasn't been lived in for years. Nobody in authority knows that is exists or what state it is in? I suggest you 'renovate' it and then start paying the council tax on it. They can hardly complain you've done it up then, can they as they will have no clue what state it was in to begin with.
Idiots never heard of google earth ?get planning ,do it properly ,so when you come to do you landlords licence there will be no bother
- Location
- roe valley
Better asking for forgiveness than permission
deleted user 837354
Member
He said it has a roof. How the hell can a satellite miles up tell whats in the interior?
if you think the council dont use google earth ,you are very mistaken ,they have acess to all the versions
Puff
Member
- Location
- Up a hill in Wales
Start with a builder to give you a rough quote as it may cost more than you realise to get it ready to let. I (personally) would get PP sorted out as well because if the worst comes to the worst, you may get sued by someone for something you've not done correctly. In which case, you can either draw up your own plans or get an architect to do so. An architect will probably make life easier as they will (should) know everything that you need to consider. Once you've got PP, get building.
In terms of marketing etc, I would suggest a beauty parade of the holiday rental companies quite early on in the process. Even if you don't go with them, their reps will know the local market, what people like/don't like, help you on decoration ideas etc and potential revenue - ask lots of questions of them, they're keen to get you signed up so learn what they know. See what they say about hot tubs, they might earn some more but they're a pain to look after/maintain and it may be that the target audience for hot tubs is not the ones you either want or would be interested in your location anyway. Try and find a usp for your place.
In terms of marketing etc, I would suggest a beauty parade of the holiday rental companies quite early on in the process. Even if you don't go with them, their reps will know the local market, what people like/don't like, help you on decoration ideas etc and potential revenue - ask lots of questions of them, they're keen to get you signed up so learn what they know. See what they say about hot tubs, they might earn some more but they're a pain to look after/maintain and it may be that the target audience for hot tubs is not the ones you either want or would be interested in your location anyway. Try and find a usp for your place.
There are a lot of sat images out there not available to joe public.
id do it by the book, even if you get a certificate of lawful development.
lay a duct from fuse board to parking area for a car charger, its a cheap buzz word to help attract the folk you want.
id do it by the book, even if you get a certificate of lawful development.
lay a duct from fuse board to parking area for a car charger, its a cheap buzz word to help attract the folk you want.
Glass half full
Member
- Location
- essex/suffolk border
JFDI. its been a residence for years, you are just giving it a lick of paint etc. once its done up market it.
Planning, Planning, Planning. Anyone else telling you to JFDI is just setting you up for trouble.
I wouldn't even bother with getting plans drawn up before speaking to the council. Most council's have a pre-app service which is confidential and your neighbours and parish council won't be informed.
The Pre-App will outline any concerns the Council have and advise on the level of detail that will be required to support a Planning Application.
If you JFDI you could end up renovating the building, start letting it out and then be served an enforcement notice. You will then have to either put it back to how it was or apply retrospectively. Retrospective Planning is no longer a rubber stamp job as they have become wise to the ask for forgiveness route. They will make you jump through hoops, provide extra (expensive) surveys and as it's a rural building could bring up the destruction of protected habitats.
I wouldn't even bother with getting plans drawn up before speaking to the council. Most council's have a pre-app service which is confidential and your neighbours and parish council won't be informed.
The Pre-App will outline any concerns the Council have and advise on the level of detail that will be required to support a Planning Application.
If you JFDI you could end up renovating the building, start letting it out and then be served an enforcement notice. You will then have to either put it back to how it was or apply retrospectively. Retrospective Planning is no longer a rubber stamp job as they have become wise to the ask for forgiveness route. They will make you jump through hoops, provide extra (expensive) surveys and as it's a rural building could bring up the destruction of protected habitats.
Glass half full
Member
- Location
- essex/suffolk border
I wouldn't expect a planning consultant to say anything else! it depends on your attitude to risk and the area etc. I have won every application (including retrospective) I have ever done, (from 25,000ft poultry sheds to Glamping sites) if you know where you stand on the rules, work within them and be considerate to neighbours, and only ask for things you have a reasonable chance of winning then you will be ok. I work with my planning officers, I'm honest with them and they respect it. planning officers have said about projects I have done which don't have planning that they are not interested if no one is objecting.
Are you paying rates on it ? if not you will need planning .
- Location
- West Wales
You should be able to approach some organisations for business support, and they may even be able to help you with plans or finding funding. It's certainly not the wrong idea. I can see the question of 'planning or not planning' is divisive in this thread. That's down to you, but to make a business of it, it would be better long term to do it properly.
Hi there,
My name's Martin, I'm getting in touch from STV Productions. We're currently making a programme about farmers looking to diversify and I was wondering if you'd be able to chat to me about your experience? We're currently looking to cast farmers who are considering/in the process of diversifying.
Let me know if you're interested in chatting. You can email me at [email protected] or phone me at 07507 80180.
Thanks a lot!
Martin
I'm pretty sure there are no restrictions on interior work to an existing building... Dx
There is no restriction providing it is not listed
- Location
- UK
PLANNING!
The London Palladium event “BPR Seminar”
This is our next step following the London rally 
BPR is not just a farming issue, it affects ALL business, it removes incentive to invest for growth
Join us @LondonPalladium on the 16th for beginning of UK business fight back
lwtheatres.co.uk
BPR is not just a farming issue, it affects ALL business, it removes incentive to invest for growth
Join us @LondonPalladium on the 16th for beginning of UK business fight back
BPR Summit | LW Theatres
lwtheatres.co.uk