A THREE-bedroom chalet bungalow scheme to replace a prefabricated concrete barn in Peterstow has been submitted to Herefordshire planners.

The owners of Orchard Barn in Little Peterstow Orchard pointed out to Herefordshire Council that the barn’s construction does not lend itself well to conversion and that their intent is to offer an alternative new build chalet bungalow that would stand on the same footprint and have a maximum ridge height of 6.9 metres.

The proposal states the chalet bungalow would have dormer windows to the north side of the building so that they are not visually dominant from the roadside and public view.

The walls will be finished off with a white render and a slate type of roof emulating the nearest property.

It is proposed that the main structure will be constructed with highly insulated prefabricated construction, most likely timber frame.

The heating and hot water will be provided via a heat pump, the ventilation will be controlled by a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system. Electricity usage may be supported by solar panels with possible battery storage in the garage.

The current land on which the existing barn sits is all grass with no other form of plantation. The owner proposes to add three native species trees namely, Rowan, wild cherry and spindle while box bushes would be positioned to the front of the property alongside an area of mixed planting adjacent to the driveway.

Access to the property is via a country lane that serves only a handful of properties. There will be a main driveway with parking for one vehicle along with the existing garage and an additional pull in point for visitor parking to ensure that visitors do not create an obstruction to the lane serving as access.

Comments on the application, number P250868/F, can be made via Herefordshire Council’s planning portal until May 17.