Despite being strongly supported by the members of the Southern Area Planning sub-committee, a scheme to invest half a million pounds into a wide range of works at Huntsham Court will have to be approved by the Secretary of State before the work can begin. Mrs Rosamund Vaughan, who lives at Huntsham Court with her husband Richard, was able to address the committee at their meeting on Wednesday, October 10th, and outlined the history of the house. She said it was built 400 years ago as a fine gentry house but over the years it was let to tenants who made alterations and added buildings. In the 18th century a Vaughan daughter took up with the tenant and moved down the hill to marry him so more money was spent on the house creating a new access facing the river. Mrs Vaughan said she and her husband are hoping to spend a lot of money to bring the house back to how it was originally. This would include altering the entrance so that the main entrance to the house could be reached by vehicles. A new wider drive, which would pass under an arch through an imposing barn to the east of the house, would be lined by an avenue of oak trees. Some pigsties would be demolished and a two storey porch would be erected. Windows which have been blocked up would be opened and a new third floor window would be created. There would also be some internal alterations. English Heritage accepted the majority of the alterations as 'uncontentious' and agreed that the demolition of the 19th century outbuilding is a 'sacrifice worth making'. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings also agreed that the outbuilding, 'had always been a somewhat ad hoc and incongruous addition to the house.' Their report said that the demolition would be advantageous in restoring the character of the main house. However, Herefordshire Council's Conservation Manager, Mr Partrick, did not support the new avenue of oaks for the driveway or the demolition of the porch. The planning officers agreed with him and recommended refusal. Local member Councillor John Jarvis said: "These pigsties are not formally attached to the house, there is no keying in, if they fell down tomorrow there would be no damage to the house. This is an extremely important property and a great asset to the whole area." Councillor Harry Bramer said: "As the owner, or custodian, of several listed buildings myself I am aware that buildings change with the times. There is no reason to retain the pigsties and it would be good to see the grandeur of the property restored." Development Control Officer, Peter Yates, told the committee that even if they were minded to give Grade 2 listed building consent, they could not give planning consent, it had to be referred to the Secretary of State, who has to give listed building consent. He agreed it was very closely balanced argument and it was for Councillors to decide if they should listen to the arguments of English Heritage or Mr Partrick, the council officer. The councillors voted against the officer's recommendation for refusal so the application will be passed to the Secretary of State.
