Update

We've got started with some more building work: on Friday we had a site meeting with various firms to price some of the remaining work for Phase 1.

We are calling it "Phase 1b", and T+B are calling it "Phase 2", but quite frankly we don't care as long as something happens!

A big consideration is the interpretation of the planning permission: we have two years in which to start the work, and five years during which we can finish it...

We have started the work in the stable inasmuch as there is a doorway broken through from the house [and blocked up] and there is a waste from where the loo will be connected to the drains.

Is this enough to count as having started? Does the fact that we have done the other work count as starting? Would they refuse to let us continue if we get it wrong?

We don't know [and don't want to find out - in the neighbouring village someone was made to knock down his newly-built house because it didn't have the correct planning permission], and don't want to take the risk; this way we are definitely covered either way.

AND get to have a spare bedroom!