Local Government

Rogier — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:30:38 +0000

Last Thursday we visited the local government in Vaux-sur-Sure. These are the people we have to convince that we have a good idea . We were a bit nervous about the whole thing, it was our first talk and everything hung in the balance, they could say no to pretty much every idea we had.., they didn’t.

Shed

The main thing we wanted to ask was, if we can build a shed before we build the house. Normally this is not done, but because we’re such nice people we can. Condition is that we put the shed into the final drawing, we will.
The only thing is, we have to build within the building zone, we wanted to build it in the agricultural zone, but hey, who’s complaining.

So, for now it seems that the shed build for August is still on!

Design

Lotte’s design of the house is also on par. There should not be a problem. Just a few minor alterations, but mostly, the design stands.
The alternative materials, extra windows for sunlight and solar panels are not a problem, either. Just as long as the house fits in the neighborhood and is finished within 2 years.

Windmill

This is the only thing we have to drop. We cannot build a windmill (or turbine) in the agricultural zone. The highest, and clearest, part of the land is in the middle. But, we can only build in the building zone and a 6 meter high windmill may not have a building within a radius of 6 meters… on top of that, the turbulence of the building would render the windmill practically useless.

Good Start

We are very relieved that the first talks (which were in English by the way, not French), went so well. Nice and helpful people.
We still have a green light on the project. Now, for building the shed, our second challenge (finding the land being the first).

Finding Land part I

Rogier — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:43:27 +0000

A very modest Woohoo is in order. We found a piece of land which matches pretty much all of our criteria.
In a way it’s liberating. It’s also stressful, exciting and stimulating, pretty much like a rollercoaster.

Chenogne was our first stop last Saturday. After finding the lot (only 10 minutes from Bastogne) we joked about the fact that the first was the best one, it turned out to be the only one, and we didn’t look any further. This lot fits the bill.

Now, I can write down all the details, but I’m not gonna… There are quite a few obstacles with which we have to deal before we can celebrate. The local government has to answer a few questions, the bank has to give a loan and then we actually have to buy it.
Until the contract is signed, we stay focussed and keep our heads out of the clouds.

Our architect is happy, and that’s one for the home team.

Update:

We made an offer on the land!

Update #2:

We made a final offer on the land! Lets hope it sticks…

Update #3:

Our offer has been accepted. Now to make everything official, almost there!

Four Elements House » government