Herefordshire farmhouse could be pulled down and replaced

Mr & Mrs P Williamson of Bradlow Farm northeast of Ledbury, within the Malvern Hills National Landscape, are seeking planning permission (application 241624) for the proposal, which also includes a new detached garage.

Dating from the early 19th century with later extensions and outbuildings, the unlisted farmhouse “appears on first inspection to be reasonably sound” and indeed “offers a certain aesthetic charm”, their application says.

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But “extensive” modernisation work around ten years ago to repair the exterior and improve its energy use had “unintended consequences”.

Dry-lining the walls, further insulating the loft and installing uPVC windows, and repointing the brickwork and stonework with “ill-considered” cementitious mortar, has left the house less able to “breathe”, leading to a buildup of moisture inside.

The problem has been compounded by “considerable water ingress” in the basement, which lacks natural ventilation.

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An accompanying building survey says considerable further modernisation is needed, including undoing some of the recent work.

It also identifies potentially high levels in the building of radon, a naturally occurring odourless gas associated with increased risk of lung cancer.

“The high level of damp leading to mould spores, coupled with the high level of radon present the house clearly represents a considerable health hazard which is not easily remedied,” the application says.

Elevation of the proposed replacement farmhouse (Image: Derrick Whittaker, from application)

Better, and cheaper, would be to start over with a new house, “contemporary in style” but with brick, natural stone and timber cladding and a natural slate roof that are “appropriate to the location”, the application proposes.

The new design would also capitalise on the “stunning local landscape”, which the current farmhouse, with its “poorly considered orientation and fenestration”, does not.

Accompanying plans show a large open-plan living and kitchen area and “snug” on the ground floor, and four bedrooms above, two with en-suite and dressing areas, and one with a balcony.

The couple have received positive pre-application advice from council planners, their application adds.

Comments on it can be made until July 23.