A GRADE II* listed building has been saved from further deterioration as planners agree on its transformation.

Monmouthshire County Council’s (MCC) planning committee approved the conversion of Troy House into 19 apartments with an extra 31 in the new-build element of the plans yesterday (6th February).

The plans for Troy House were dismissed in 2016 by county planners as insufficient information had been given, but councillors yesterday voted in favour of saving the building, despite the plans being contrary to local and national planning policy.

Local objections to the plans included Mitchel Troy Community Council who recommended refusal in 2017 on highway safety grounds and Natural Resources Wales, who opposed to the application, as the house was sited on an undefended flood plain C2.

CADW, the Welsh heritage body, generally showed support, but they did feel some of the new elements may harm the historic character of the building.

The main debate was over the access to the site, which was shared with the local farm, and Councillor Richard John said he had a great deal of sympathy in saving the building but pointed out there was a number of concerns by local residents and councillors on a range of things, including the impact on the neighbouring organic dairy farm.

Cllr John’s argument focussed on access to the property and said that although there was a history of traffic using that junction - the house had once been a school - it was 20 to 30 years that the building has been vacant and in that time the traffic volume has increased significantly.

He asked “is the ideal access to luxury apartments down a track used by cows?” and requested the application be revised so a new safe route can be explored into the site.

It was pointed out that MCC highways officers had no issues with traffic flow.

Mr Bryn Thomas on behalf of Mr Irving Long as well as highlighting the concerns of David and Sally Evans of Troy Lodge. said that the application was “akin to a mini village” and contrary to local and national planning policies.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Graham Frecknall said the applications have been scrutinised for 10 years and all supporting information requested has been provided.

In response to public comments, planning officer Craig O’Connor said the garden is also Grade II* registered but MCC officers maintain that the harm to the setting by the building works “can be justified and is acceptable” with the overriding need to restore Troy House.

It was accepted by MCC that the one in 100 year flood event the site would flood, probably to a depth of 210mm, but an evacuation route was available south of the site and there would be safe refuge in the building so the risk to life would be minimised.

Councillor Phil Murphy said that “all of us would agree there is an awful lot of problems associated with the site,” including the prospect of access.

“The new wings would help pay for the restoration of the building, but building a new access road would make the project unviable.

“I am concerned about the dual use of the track - there is a concern with the livestock - but it provides the solution to the restoration of the building, any identified problems can be overcome”.

Cllr Maureen Powell said the main problem is the driveway, but suggested the residents could be told to refrain from using the driveway during milking times: “It’s a shame the building would be left to deteriorated to nothing” she added.

MCC officers warned that if the application was turned down, the council would have to serve an urgent works notice, repairing and propping the ceiling and patching the roof which would only provide a “sticking plaster solution”.

Cllr Jez Becker said that he was minded to turn down the application at the start but after listening to the arguments, he had come to the conclusion that the overriding primary concern was saving the building.

After further debate, the plan was approved.