A DISUSED barn and adjacent stables that form part of a grade II-listed farmhouse could be converted to a home.
The barn and stables, that are thought to date back to at least the 1830s, are the only historic building associated with Abergwenllan Farm at Llanvair Grange in Llanover near Abergavenny.
The barn is around 30 metres from the main house but all other buildings in the yard are modern while Abergwenllan house dates back to the early 17th century and was remodelled and enlarged in the 19th century. It was listed in 2001as an “interesting 17th century house with attractive 19th century remodelling.”
An appliclation for planning permission to approve the conversion of the barn, which forms part of the listed building, has been made to Monmouthshire County Council.
The plans also include planting a wildflower meadow and native hedgerow as well as associated works while the existing access would be used.
Statements submitted with the application state there is no current agricultural use for the barn and none are likely to be found.
A supporting statement reads: “The barn is not suited to modern agricultural needs and conversion into commercial use would not be feasible in this location on account of the likely traffic generation and limitations of the rural lane network. The barn is in good structural condition and capable of conversion without major alterations.”
It adds the conversion is in line with planning policy and “will enable a traditional barn to be retained in a new use so enhancing the rural character and farming heritage of the area.”
A heritage impact assessment stated without a new use the building would become “vulnerable” and stated external changes to the building will be concentrated on the north and east walls which are described as the “least important” to its setting and how it is viewed from the farmyard.
It said the most significant changes would be to the interior but argues: “While this involves some loss of historic fabric it should be weighed against the opportunity to secure a long-term future for the building.”
The plans are being considered by the council’s planning department.
