A thatched property that was badly damaged by fire almost 3 years ago could be rebuilt with a clay tile roof. It was on the night of 26th September 2021 that Merlins Cottage on Elm Lane, Calbourne was lost to a blaze that ripped through the quaint holiday home. More than 40 firefighters were called in to tackle the fire, with the incident continuing for more than 12 hours. In August 2022, homeowner Mrs Brown sought planning permission from the Isle of Wight Council to reinstate the thatched roof, as well as installing 4 new windows and raising the chimney stacks to comply with regulations. The local authority agreed with the plans and granted permission the following month. Now, 2 years on, a fresh planning application has been submitted seeking to replace the fire-damaged thatched roof with a clay tile roof instead, as well as 4 new first floor windows. If the Council agrees with the new plans, the roof will be constructed using reclaimed red clay peg tiles. Locals have until the end of September to comment on the plans here, with a decision set to be made by the Isle of Wight Council in early October. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy9xDvIKOUw
FIRE-HIT THATCHED COTTAGE COULD NOW BE REBUILT WITH CLAY ROOF TILES
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Thing’s like this should be common sense, no place for thatched roofs after been destroyed. Should now meet all current fire regs etc.
Ah, the dreaded word ‘should’. Yeah let’s paint the world magnolia
I’d always assumed that thatched cottages would al be listed buildings but, given that they’re making this application that must not be the case.
It would be a shame to lose one of our few remaining thatched rooves but I imagine finding the expertise to rebuild one of those must be getting harder and harder these days. If done sensitively and with appropriate materials, the tile roof should match the adjacent building once they’re finished.
Plenty of thatches still left….but once ravaged by fire, it makes a lot of sense for owners to be allowed to make a safer home
Thatchers are hard to find, prices & insurance are massive…
There are plenty of valid reasons to get rid of thatch and they easily outweigh aesthetic considerations (if you aren’t rolling in moolah). Thatched roofs can cost £25-30k to replace and have a short life. They are ravaged by crows for nest building materials and need constant upkeep. Insurance costs are also much higher.
Thatch Roofs are Eco Friendly , why should Thatch Property owners be penalised cost wise for using a natural product to protect their property Straw and Reed can be grown in abundabce for roofing of properties . The old ideas are the best .