Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article .com,
"Mathew Newton" writes:

Grateful for any advice...

Stick a large sheet of aluminium foil on the inside of the
wall with thick tape all the way around the edge, and then
move everything (cupboard, contents, etc) back into place
as it is now. After a week or two, inspect it.
There will be moisture on one side of it...
If it's on the room side, it's condensation.
If it's on the wall side, it's penetrating damp.

I would expect condensation in the situation you decribed.
What is the construction of the cupboard (fixed/movable,
rear panel or open to the wall), and what's stored in it?

I'll give that a go - it has got to be prudent to not jump to
conclusions based on potential coincidences (i.e. the blown render).
Also, it'll give me a week delay on the tuit list... ;-)

As for the cupboard, it is a waste height built-in cupboard (in the
alcove adjacent to the chimney), with MDF doors, a wooden top/shelf and
no back or sides. The damp is only present on the side (exterior)
wall). As for the contents, just a blender!

The ventilation in the kitchen/dining room is pretty good - we always
use the (powerful) extractor hood when cooking etc, and there are two
vented chimneys providing background ventilation.

Will wait and see the results of the foil test before taking further
action - if it turns out to be the render I'll follow the advice given
(thanks all for the suggestions there).

Cheers,

Mathew