We have a potential new

home!

The location is Sclerder Abbey, just off the Polperro Road and 2.6 miles from Looe Bridge. The potential views from our site is magnificent and access is not difficult. See the photos. Alf and I have been busy chasing a new home and we believe we have a good possibility at Sclerder Abbey. The community there own a lot of land and there is a space right at the back of the gardens that looks ideal. Alf and I met with them on Thursday morning and I have attached the results of our meeting as a proposal to the community. You will note that I am proposing a joint venture with them as, while Chemin Neuf Community had developed some outline ideas for the buildings shown in the photo, their original intention was to accommodate our group on the land located behind them. Unfortunately, that area is designated as agricultural land and lies on the fringe of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Securing planning permission there would likely prove complex, costly, and at high risk of being refused. In response, I proposed a collaborative approach. Rather than occupying separate spaces, we could share a single, purpose-built workshop. Given that Looe Shedders anticipates needing the space no more than say, 50% of the month and CNC’s own usage would not be too demanding, joint occupation made practical and economic sense. Moreover, this arrangement would allow room for a number of ad ho meetings as needed. Also, each gathering must be led by a “Shed Head,” and there’s only so much a team of volunteers can take on each month! Plus, leaving a beautiful, well-equipped building largely unused would be an opportunity missed. This joint venture offers an affordable and sustainable solution that benefits both parties. Had our earlier proposal for West Looe Hill succeeded in gaining planning permission, the resulting situation would have been quite comparable in scope and usage. I will arrange a site visit for us next week so you can all see what is possible. Chris Roy

Our proposal is as follows.

Proposal for a Joint

Venture Between

Looe Shedders CIO

and the Chemin Neuf

Community

19 June 2025 Dear Chemin Neuf Community, Looe Shedders CIO is seeking an agreement in principle to enter a joint venture with the Chemin Neuf Community at Sclerder Abbey. Our shared vision is to enrich the local community through stewardship, sustainability, and practical skills development.

Proposed Development Site

We propose the redevelopment of the area at the bottom of the lane adjacent to the Abbey, currently occupied by a large metal/asbestos shed and a semi-circular asbestos-clad shelter. Subject to a mutually agreeable lease, Looe Shedders will undertake the removal of these structures and construct a new, purpose-built workshop. We would also explore refurbishing the adjacent left-hand storage shed, not pictured, to enhance its storage potential for both Looe Shedders and the Chemin Neuf Community.

Joint Use & Community Benefit

Looe Shedders would not require full-time or exclu-

sive access to the workshop, leaving a significant pro-

portion of its availability open for use by the Chemin

Neuf Community.

Specific timings and arrangements to be agreed

jointly.

So, in return for a peppercorn rent, the workshop

would be configured for flexible shared use to sup-

port the day-to-day needs of both the Chemin Neuf

Community and Looe Shedders.

Environmentally Conscious

Construction

The proposed single-storey workshop (approx. 17m x 7m) would be designed with sustainability at its core, using: Sustainable materials. Solar panels for renewable electricity. Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing. A ground or air-source heat pump for heating. Connection to electricity, water, and sewage services would also be required. Terms to be discussed.

Look and feel

The original architects outline drawings are no longer relevant, so I have attached basic concept design of the interior, plus a photograph of the potential cladding for the building to show how it all might work and fit in with the surrounding area.

Key Considerations

Noise: The building would be heavily sound insulated to minimise any disturbance and also to maximise energy efficiency. Parking: We understand the Chemin Neuf Community has plans to expand existing parking, which would readily accommodate Looe Shedders members. Scheduling: An online calendar could coordinate usage between parties. Storage: Lockable storage would ensure tools and materials are secure, and shared spaces remain tidy. Housekeeping: After each session, all surfaces to be brushed off and floors swept. Security: This would be provided by our internet linked CCTV system covering both the inside and the external faces of the building. It can be set to ignore specific times of the day and week. Young Shedders Initiative Looe Shedders intends to establish a Young Shedders programme to teach essential practical skills to local youth. This will: Equip young people with life skills for independent living Reveal untapped potential in vocational trades, possibly leading to apprenticeships Encourage youth-led enterprise that could serve the local community and retain young talent in Looe We aim to collaborate with parents, local schools, and Boundless Trust’s Haven Youth Club to deliver this transformative initiative.

Creative Opportunities

Looe Shedders works with a network of skilled local craftspeople. There is potential for occasional craft workshops to be offered in the new space for Chemin Neuf Community visitors, enhancing community engagement and creative outreach.

Finances

Looe Shedders would seek funding through grants and public donations to cover: Legal fees for the lease Planning permissions Architects’ fees, if applicable Safe demolition of the current buildings Construction of the new workshop We would, of course, welcome any financial support that the Chemin Neuf Community would be willing to contribute.

Lease Terms

To ensure mutual benefit and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the project, Looe Shedders would require a minimum lease term of 25 years, encompassing the elements outlined in this proposal. Mutual Benefits Benefits for the Chemin Neuf Community: Stronger ties with the wider local community Positive public relations via the visibility of Looe Shedder’s community initiatives Access to a valuable shared asset at minimal cost Contribution to local mental health and wellbeing Support for youth skills development and local empowerment Benefits for Looe Shedders: A purpose-built, permanent new home for our projects Continued delivery of impactful programmes that serve the community A base for future expansion of our volunteer-driven initiatives We believe this partnership would be a meaningful step forward for both our communities and a lasting investment in shared purpose. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further. Warm regards Chris Roy Chairman – Looe Shedders CIO Tel: 07840 777 293 Email: chair@looeshedders.co.uk Web: www.looeshedders.co.uk