Farm buildings near Shrewsbury to become homes
Former agricultural buildings near Shrewsbury will be transformed into six homes, planners have decided.
The work will take place at Albrightlee Hall Farm, at Battlefield, which dates back to 1856. Shropshire Council planners gave their permission after considering a report from case officer Jane Raymond, who urged approval, saying the conversion would maintain the character and appearance of the buildings.
She said it would have no effect on either the local ecology or roads.
Astley Parish Council gave the conversion its support, arguing that it would see 'old characterful buildings restored and put to good use'.
However, the report did note that the parish council had some concerns about access to and from the A53. Two letters of objection also raised similar concerns.
But in her report, Ms Raymond said permission for access improvements was granted in 2008, and it will be a condition of planning approval that these works are carried out in full before the homes can be occupied.
An ecological survey found evidence of bats in the building, and the council's conservation officer has set out conditions.
The report added: "The proposal includes the removal of a central modern building to create a central courtyard and the conversion of the traditional brick built buildings to provide six dwellings and car ports.
"Good use has been made of existing openings and new openings and roof lights kept to a minimum.
"Each dwelling will have its own external garden area and parking spaces, and the core layout of the farmyard will remain unaltered."
The plans keep the existing brick walls, while a new hedge would be planted alongside the boundary with a neighbouring field.
Gardens will be divided with a post and rail fence, the report adds.
It says that the character and appearance of the buildings will be preserved.
