Derek I only just noticed this message having been at Etruria all weekend. As various people on here know I spent over a year in negotiations to buy this cottage but eventually (and with a very heavy heart) had to pull out, so apologies to those who have heard some of this story before.
Shortly after I pulled out, the house was sold to the adjacent farmer VERY cheaply. I am told that he initially applied for permission to knock it down and build a new house further away from the canal, though I never actually saw this application. The reason I had to walk away was that it is built over the by-wash of the lock and the deeds of the house prevent any claim being made against BW if the by-wash were to collapse and damage the house. It was therefore basically uninsurable and I was unable to get anyone to lend me the money I needed to renovate it. Anyway, the application to demolish was refused and he subsequently applied to renovate and extend it at the back. I assisted IWA Lichfield with their response and also made a few comments myself. I'm glad to say that some of these were noted and appropriately conditioned, though I am very disappointed that some of the outbuildings are to be demolished at the upstream end of the property. Application: <https://services.sstaffs.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KVS7VXOX06N00> Decision notice: http://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/pdf/1000006.pdf The house was stripped out internally at the end of last year, but then development stopped, presumably whilst the above application was going through. I've not been there recently but I was told by a friend in Acton Trussell that the place was broken into by youngsters a couple of months ago. I do still worry that it will be burnt out and have to be demolished as redevelopment seems to be proceeding quite slowly but fingers crossed. Incidentally, Margaret who had lived there since about 1960 moved to a bungalow on the estate behind Stafford Boat Club. I've heard nothing of her since then. Steve NB Bream
