A planning application for the conversion of the historic Troy House, Monmouth, into apartments will be discussed at a public open forum, organised by Mitchel Troy Community Council.

The council are calling an extraordinary meeting at Mitchel Troy Village Hall, at 7pm, on Tuesday, January 6th, when members of the public will have an opportunity to express their views.

Submitted by Timbershore Ltd, a London based development company, the planning application and Listed Building application is for the conversion of the pre 1700 building into 23 apartments and the demolition of post 1900 structures and building of 31 new apartments.

Formerly one of the seats of the, Duke of Beaufort, Troy House was at one time in the possession of Sir Charles Somerset, brother of Henry, fifth Earl and first Marquess of Worcester, who so bravely defended Raglan Castle for the king.

The mansion was later owned by the former Grent County Council and then by a private company who ran it as a school for young offenders. It has, however, been empty for a number of years and is now semi derelict.

Mike Woods, the Clerk of Mitchel Troy Community Council, said he was anticipating great public interest in the proposed conversion.

"It appears to be a sensitive development but the access road could be a problem. Hopefully the Open Forum we are holding will be a good measure of public option," he said.