HEREFORDSHIRE planners will shortly consider an application for the change of use of an existing steel framed barn to residential use on the outskirts of the village of Llangarron.

The plans for the outbuildings at Manor Brook House also include the partial demolition of stables and the creation of new drive.

Located within the curtilage of the main property is a steel framed portal building, which until very recently had been used by the Scudamore family for a spraying business and for the storage of hay.

But having recently retired, the applicant states that the building is no longer in use for any commercial purposes and is therefore redundant. He suggests the steel framed building could be converted into a four-bedroomed dwelling with a garden to the rear.

A new driveway is also proposed to be created running parallel to the house driveway with new hedgerow and tree planting for screening.

The agent, Julie Joseph of JCPC points out that whilst the site lies in the open countryside, the National Planning Policy Framework clearly identifies that proposals that seek to reuse a redundant agricultural building and enhance the immediate setting are acceptable in the countryside.

She said: “The principle of conversion to residential development is therefore acceptable as the building is now redundant and the proposal demonstrates an enhancement to immediate setting.”

The proposal suggests that existing blockwork walls that exist to the gable end and rear walls of the building will be retained, although they will need to be upgraded to achieve the required thermal performance to comply with building regulations requirements.

Above the existing perimeter blockwork walls, new insulated timber framed walls will be provided, which will have an external covering of vertical timber boarding and metal sheet cladding.

A new roof covering will be required to replace the existing corrugated sheeting.

As the interior ground floor of the building is only partially covered with a concrete slab, a new ground bearing concrete floor slab is proposed throughout. This will include a damp proof membrane and insulation for compliance with Building Regulations requirements.

The height of the existing barn will permit the introduction of a new first floor structure, which will provide an additional floor of living accommodation.

Comments can be made on the planning application, number P253365/F via Herefordshire Council’s planning portal until Thursday, January 29.

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