Plan to convert Grade II listed Bransgore granary at Middle Ripley Farm into meeting space refused by NFDC

PLANS to convert a Grade II listed stone granary in Bransgore into a meeting space have been refused by New Forest District Council planners.

Avon Tyrrell Farms also wanted approval to transform a redundant, historic barn on the site at Middle Ripley Farm into a three-bedroom home.

Planners said there was a lack of detail around how the scheme would be achieved “without harm to the listed building and non-designated heritage assets”.

An officer’s report said: “The proposed conversion creates harm to these buildings and proposes design solutions which jar with their simple rural character and context.

“Barns like this are notoriously difficult to convert to uses other than storage due to the structural requirements for floors and the pressures required for upgrade of the interior and exterior.”

The application was also criticised for not including parking provision in relation to the meeting room, and not being clear on design and detailing.

Avon Tyrrell Farms said an agricultural use of the barns was not viable due to repair costs and their “limited capacity”.

“The works are deemed to provide a viable use for the building without having a detrimental impact on the heritage asset,” the application stated.

Listed building consent for a change of use was also refused by NFDC.