License to Build

We finally got building license! In the last blog, we said we were waiting for the Planning Approval, but Christian decided to put in the Building License application in before we got Planning – stroke of genius. The Planning Approval was granted on the 22nd April 2009. And on the 1st May 2009, the Building Department of City of Stirling stamped and signed the Building License for the first Straw Bale House in the City.

So, here we are, in possession of a document that says we are allowed to build! All engines are go go go, we can finally finish installing the shed. [We built a shed 2 weeks ago, which will now be Site Office + Toilet + Store Room + Rain Shelter. The shed was a simple 2m x 3m x 1.8m high DIY job – profiled zincalume panels precut and pre-drilled holes – a bit like Ikea without an Allen key!]

Today on site, more progress was made as our advanced security systems went into place. Christian has erected a temporary gate to keep out the curious cats that roam freely in their skateboards, strange blue hair and baggy neon pants. Our neighbour June, who has lived next door for the last 50-odd years, says kids are just not the same anymore…

I managed to make myself useful by installing 3 solar lights in the sheds – well if drilling a few holes and pulling a few wires around counts for anything! Next on the list is to organize the Surveyor to come around and peg out the footprint.