A DILAPIDATED barn in Wilton is set to become home to three residential units following the scheme’s approval by Herefordshire planners.

The existing barn is a secondary structure within the curtilage of the former Wilton Post Office, which is a listed building and dates back to the 19th century, closed in July 1997.

The site is located approximately 120 meters from the Wye bridge and lies within the Wilton Conservation Area, which is recognised for its special architectural and historic interest.

The existing condition of the stone and timber barn is poor and needs repair and without any intervention the barn will continue deteriorate negatively impacting the conservation area.

The applicant’s objective is to retain the existing post office building, which currently comprises of four single bed apartments and one two-bed apartments and improve the amenity by providing private gardens to the rear of the site for the existing flats.

The applicant states that the stonework on the barn need repairing and that the roof structure needs to be replaced and or repaired,

The barn is currently completely open to the elements and will continue to degrade over time. The applicant believes that as a single dwelling, the building would be economically unviable to renovate.

The applicant proposes creating three two-storey dwellings by raising ridge height of the existing barn by 600mm to ensure that the minimum head height requirements are met on the first floor.

The applicant states that the massing, scale, location and appearance of the new extended footprint of the barn is in keeping with the existing site and the surrounding area.

The proposed conversion and extension of the development are considered to be acceptable in principle and in detail. The design of the proposed extension would respect and retain the simple, functional character of the proposed dwellings, ensuring a cohesive architectural approach.

A report by the county archaeologist states: “In general I would regard this proposal as a good scheme, which tries to limit the impact on its heritage assets and might be viewed as an enhancement.”

Planning officer Joshua Evans said that the proposed use of external materials was considered as being appropriate and sympathetic to both the existing built form and the wider local context.

Mr Evans added: “Furthermore, the scale and massing of the proposed extension are deemed to be proportionate to the host structure. The extension would not appear over dominant or visually intrusive and would remain subservient to the former Post office and sits comfortably within the site and its surroundings.”

Mr Evans said in conclusion that the development would contribute positively to housing needs through the provision of modestly scaled two-bedroom dwellings and added: “The sensitive restoration of the historic structure and the limited, subservient extension are deemed to result in a positive contribution to the historic and built environment.

“The proposal is therefore considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Herefordshire Local Plan and other policies and is accordingly recommended for approval.”