Plans to convert a vacant Pembrokeshire farmhouse and outbuildings, which was once a children’s home, to five properties, have been lodged with the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Steve Miller, through agent Huw Griffiths Architects Ltd, seeks permission for the division of an existing farmhouse to form one two-bed and one three-bed property, along with the conversion of existing outbuildings for three two and three-bed residential units at Upper House, Llandruidion, near Solva.
A supporting statement says: “Previously used as a children’s home, Upper House has been vacant for several years whilst it remains in reasonably good condition several areas of the building fabric need repair and maintenance. The outbuildings previously used as storage however are deteriorating significantly and require urgent attention to repair and preserve their fabric.”
It says the farmhouse works would be “entirely within the footprint of the existing building with no extension proposed”.
Referring to the outbuildings, it says they are in a poor state of repair, with suggestions the roof timbers will require substantial repair or replacement.
“It is intended however retain as much of the roof structure as practically possible and that these timbers will be exposed where possible to retain the character of the original structure. Where replacement of timbers is necessary, the replacement trusses will match as far as possible the appearance of the existing trusses.”
It was initially planned for the outbuildings to be divided into five cottages, but it is now proposed, on the advice of the Planning and Buildings Conservation Officers, to convert to three.
“Considering the advice received, proposals were scaled down to the renovation and re-use of the existing buildings on the site. It was decided to focus on a high-quality redevelopment of the existing buildings retaining their rural character, bringing them back into beneficial use to provide a range of options and sizes of residential accommodation.”
It goes on to say: “Re-use of the existing structures on the site will minimise the development’s impact on the landscape both in terms of visual impact and site ecology. Our aim is to avoid a wasteful sprawl, with the intent to provide an intimate, more sustainable, occupant friendly place with a variety of residences to cater for a more diverse community. The aspiration is to create a sustainable living environment which retains and enhances the existing character of the site.”
It says the farmhouse and outbuildings have provided shelter and roosting opportunities for wildlife including at least six species of bats and birds, including barn owls, and “protection of opportunities for these species has been given a priority in the development of design proposals”.
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
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