Bethnal & Bec: A column for owners, by owners

Chris: Planning for our next business venture in Felixstowe Ferry

Why, in the 21st century and the amazing capabilities of the Internet, are some things so bloomin’ difficult to find out?

Especially when they involve local councils? Our current holiday accommodation is next to our Grade 2 Listed house, and in a conservation area; all our renovations to create our business were, to put it mildly, “a headache” when it comes to the rules we had to follow.

When we purchased our new project in Felixstowe Ferry we were keen not to have the same restraints which therefore lead to delays and additional costs.

Not listed… tick.

Not in a conservation area… tick.

But… It is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We were aware of this fact, although judging by the hots-potch of neighbouring buildings, and the conversations and renovations that have been allowed, I do not think they take this AONB that seriously.

However, we are good citizens and before we start our renovation planning, it is good to know what we can and cannot do.

This is where it gets a bit murky. Unlike conservation areas and listed buildings, there is zilch on the local council website as to what restrictions they may implement for any work in the AONB.

Everything we want to do would be permitted development and would not need any permissions normally, but we do not feel confident to plough on without some assurances.

But with nothing forthcoming from the council, we are only left with the option of paying hundreds of pounds and waiting many months for an appointment for a “preplanning meeting” or going ahead…

… Unless, we ask our new neighbours for their first hand experiences.

The problem with this solution is that we have hardly met our neighbours since we purchased the property 7 months ago; we’ve not been able to visit much due to other projects, covid, the fact the heating doesn’t work so we can’t stay over… etc.

Everyone seems very nice and we have been added to the village whatsapp group so we could simply drop a message to them all. But what is judged as decorum?

In terms of asking for advice from a group when you haven’t really contributed to it, when you are outsiders and will continue to be so, when you’re not actually going to be a neighbour but a business owner?

Maybe it’ll be better to just join the long waitlist to actually speak to someone at the council as they are incapable of putting a few guidelines online.

It’s a conundrum that I need to make a decision on soon.

Property in Felixstowe Ferry

Vicky & Chris Saynor

Vicky: Self-catering holiday lets with a difference; honesty larders and curated experiences

When we opened Bethnal & Bec Luxury Stays 4 years ago, we knew we wanted to be more than standard self catering, but we didn't want to be on a guest's schedule for breakfast, dinners, bookings or itineraries.

As a solution, we developed a model where we 'curate' add-ons for our guests.

Honesty Larder

Binky Nixon

This covers:

1. Upgrading the standard breakfast boxes

2. Adding on 'Dine-In' boxes such as pizza, burgers, steak, and afternoon tea. These are locally sourced meal packs that will be ready and waiting in the retreats for the guests to cook themselves.

3. Fun items such as popcorn and hot chocolate

4. Curating experiences with local businesses, allowing our guests to benefit from preferential rates and ideas of great things to do in the local area

5. Working with local business to so guests can pre-order cakes, gifts, alcohol, chefs, etc.

Honesty Larder

Binky Nixon

What started as a small idea, has become a very large and successful part of our business. We also love the fact that we get to work and promote some fantastic local business, that they get business from us, and the guest is happy as we've done all the legwork - all they need to do is connect and organise times.

Our most successful concept has been what we call our Honesty Larder. A large haberdashery unit filled with lots of snacks, drinks, gifts, bath products, dog treats and more.

Haberdashery unit used as an honesty larder

Binky Nixon

We use an ipad for guests to fill in what they have enjoyed from the fully stocked larder, and on leaving they pay by BACS or leave cash.

In over 1000 transactions, we've had maybe a handful of people not being honest about what they use...

But that's fine, because that is what the security deposit is for!

It's something that our guests rave about, and many do simply arrive without anything, and enjoy the delicious frozen handmade meals, the delicious locally sourced snacks - and the doggie larder is very popular indeed!

We run our paid larder alongside our large 'free' larder containing lots of cooking condiments, teas, coffees, rice, pasta, milk etc. It's one less thing for guests to think about when packing - and 1 more easy brownie point for us!

Dine-In boxes - burgers

Binky Nixon

SOCIAL MEDIA

FB: Bethnal & Bec

IN: @bethnalandbec

URL

www.bethnalandbec.com