PLANS to convert and extend a Bothy in Symonds Yat to form a one-bedroom home has been submitted to Herefordshire planners.

The bothy, a disused old cider press building, is situated within a deep valley directly adjacent to, and accessed from, Sawpitts Lane.

The proposal is to extend and convert the existing rural building into a small residential dwelling, with associated parking and turning area.

The proposals state there would be a single storey extension to the rear of the existing building which is located 370 metres from the busy A40.

The owner has submited the application on the basis that the proposal is a ‘self-build’ project compliant with the latest regulations.

The agent, HDP Architecture of Ross-on-Wye, states that in order to extend the existing structure, approximately 200m³ of earth will need to be excavated.

The site has a natural fall of at least 12 metres from the rear boundary to the roadside. This significant gradient allows for the effective redistribution of the excavated material without the risk of creating surface water run-off issues.

The excavated material will not be removed from site. Instead, it will be reused to address any existing depressions across the site.

Currently, the front west elevation is constructed from traditional stone which has a timber framed centrally located single access door, which is in a state of disrepair as well as an upper centrally located, timber hay door.

The gable end wall is located directly adjacent to Sawpitts Lane and is constructed from the same traditional stone as the rest of the building which incorporates a low-level stone wall that supports the lean-to.

The fenestration within the stonework of the north elevation is a centrally located slit within the tall gable wall and within the lean-to.

There is a metal frame, glazed window mounted on top of the low-level wall which is supported by a painted timber tongue and groove wall and the roof timbers of the lean-to which is becoming overgrown with ivy growth.

During the internal examination of the bothy, very old bat droppings in very low numbers were identified.

The agent admits that because of the historic use of bats being found within the building, mitigation and other enhancements will need to be undertaken.

Comments on the application, number P262246/F, can be made via Herefordshire Council’s planning portal by Friday, September 18.

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