PLANS to turn two traditional farm buildings near Wem into residential properties have been refused by Shropshire Council because they are "inappropriate" for the area.

The applicant, J. A. & O. Griffiths & Sons wanted to make the changes to the buildings at Yew Tree Farm in Horton, but the plans were refused by the unitary authority this week.

The applicant previously submitted an application last year before withdrawing it in September.

Wem Rural Parish Council took a neutral position on the application.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "At the meeting of Wem Rural Parish Council held on November, 1 2022 the application was reviewed.

"It was noted that a revised block plan had been requested due to access concerns.

"The parish council reserves the right to comment once the revised block plan has been submitted."

OTHER NEWS

The application received no objections from Shropshire Council's highwaysor drainage departments, and planning policy allows the allows the conversion of buildings which are considered to be a heritage asset.

However case officer, Melanie Williams said the barns are not heritage assets.

She explained: "Yew Tree Farmhouse itself is a Grade II listed building however the barns in question are dated to the mid to late 20th century, the structural report for the first barn indicating a build date of 1962.

"The Heritage Assessment provided does not provide any evidence that the buildings are of an earlier date and therefore it is still considered that they do not qualify to be considered as non-designated heritage assets in this case."

Ms Williams concluded: "The proposal comprises the conversion of buildings that are not considered to be of any historic value, located outside of any defined development boundary to form an open market residential unit.

"The adopted development plan identifies this as a location which is inappropriate for new open market housing development."