Two sessions were held on13th March for residents in and around the new Lawley Development to attend and raise any concerns, ask questions or gain information. The questions raised were collated and after discussion by the Steering Group, responses have been agreed and can be found here.WORKSHOP RESPONSES FINAL

A drop in session is planned in the near future where both IMS and Parish representatives will be available for you to chat to or ask any questions of or you can email anything to either organisation at any time.

RESTORED
HISTORIC FARMHOUSE AT LAWLEY VILLAGE NOW COMPLETED

VIPs attended the official unveiling of a unique regeneration project on Friday [3^RD MAY] at Lawley Farm in Lawley Village, Telford.

The Mayor of Telford, Cllr Kevin Guy, also a resident of Lawley Village, along with Cllr Alan Hussey, Chairman of Lawley & Overdale Parish Council, officially opened the Grade II listed farmhouse which has been restored using traditional methods.

Following the ceremony, guests were taken on a special guided tour of the property to discover how Taylor Wimpey has preserved this piece of Telford’s history while creating a stunning contemporary home.

Cllr Alan Hussey, Chairman of Lawley & Overdale Parish Council, attended the opening, and said: “We’re delighted that this previously abandoned and derelict building has been restored to its former glory at the centre of Lawley Farm, as this has been something we have been campaigning for for some time..

“There’s been a farmhouse on this site since the 1880s, and it is incredibly pleasing to see this unique building brought back to life again and transformed into a beautiful family home fit for the 21^st century.”

Anne Wallace, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey, says: “The restoration of the farmhouse at Lawley Farm was a significant challenge and so it is incredibly rewarding to have now completed such an exciting project.

“This unique property, which combines the character of a period farmhouse with the comfort and energy-efficiency of a modern new-build property, is already generating a huge amount of interest and will make a fabulous home for its lucky buyer.”

As well as Taylor Wimpey and the Parish Council, the project also involved input from Telford & Wrekin District Council’s conservation officer as well as restoration specialists Logmoor, who were contracted to carry out the refurbishment work.

Old photographs and the existing bricks and tiles on site gave clues to how the farmhouse would originally have looked and bricks for the farmhouse and its walled garden were specially made to match the texture and colour of those remaining. Traditional lime mortar was also used in the construction of the brickwork.

Traditional plain clay tiles were used on the roof and the design re-introduced the chimneys with a traditional inglenook fireplace in the lounge, while the original basement has been brought back into use. The building also features timber-framed sash windows, with walk-in bay windows in the lounge and dining room and bedrooms above.

The restoration project has also included the construction of an attractive one-bedroom cottage attached to the farmhouse, which has been created from the original outbuildings and a small new-build extension, using the same brick and tiles as the main house. 

Annual Report

“The past year has been one of continued change within Lawley & Overdale. Whilst the ongoing, and in many ways, deepening, economic issues have been apparent and noticeable, the considerable development has continued to radically alter the landscape”.

This paragraph is as relevant this year as it was last year with ongoing problems caused by the Parish wide development. Whilst not wishing to linger on all of the issues in detail these have caused, and are causing, the Parishioners and the Parish considerable angst. Not the least of these is the ongoing scenario around Lawley School in particular where the historic concerns of the Parish when the development was first planned have proved entirely accurate. We continue, however, to recognise that it is what it is and work with Partners to find an improved scenario.

Because of restructuring of Telford & Wrekin organisation and use of buildings, the Parish no longer manages The Carpenter Centre (we do however have an office there) and we have ongoing negotiations with Telford & Wrekin with regard to the Lawley Community Centre. We hope that this will be resolved in the next few months. The Parish Council is looking to move into a new, more centrally located office in Lawley Square in the next couple of months.

We are in the process of exploring new initiatives including 21 open green spaces and their preservation for the future. These form part of the History Trail (PROW’s included) that is in its advanced stages of planning, for both Parishioners and visitors to the area.  We hope that with the partners we have identified that these sites may be improved/protected for the benefit of all.

We continue to be mindful of the economic issues facing everyone and to this end all future initiatives will be carefully costed and sponsorship will be sought to assist with any costs.

We anticipate an interesting and eventful year where we can all make a positive impact.

Councillor Alan Hussey

Chairman