PROPOSED CONVERSION OF BARN AT PLAS NEWYDD FARM, HOLYWELL ROAD, NORTHOP MOLD, . CH7 6AN TO GREATE A SINGLE DWELLING.

ACCESSIBILIry

The application consists of an existing building for conversion to provide a single private dwelling with garage attached. Under Building Regulations Part M the proposal is not required to accommodate the normal requirement for a new dwelling. However, level vehicular access to the entrance door has been provided and the entrance door width is in excess of the Part M requirement. A study/bedroom has been provided on this entrance level together with a W.C. shower room both of which comply with Part M standards. Therefore a person with limited mobility could stay as a guest with some level of independence. Due to the nature of the existing building all other areas of the proposed dwelling have step access which could at least accommodate ambulant disabled persons.

CHARACTER

The building is typical for the area being constructed of solid stone walls under a slate roof. Openings have brick detail surrounds with a mixture of timber and steel windows. Doors are stable type in timber.

The most unusual feature of the building is the variety of different floor levels there being six in all. This has been retained in the proposed scheme as the existing openings relate to these levels. The main stone barn has been extended over the years by the addition of the brick shippon, lean-to stone sheds and the brick and concrete steps leading to the first floor on the west elevation.

The brick and concrete steps on the west elevation have been removed as these are of poor quality and do not add to the original character of the building. Likewise the lean-to stone later extension on the east elevation has been removed to fully expose the three main ventilation openings of the main barn. The stone from this lean-to would be used as part of the patio structure and to construct necessary retaining walls externally around the building. The brick shippon, which is of a lesser quality, and partly over dominates the south and east elevations has been lowered in height and re-roofed in slate and with the addition of oak boarded doors now improves this aspect of the building.

A wood burning stove has been proposed in the living room to allow for the use of carbon reduced fuels. The metal flue pipe serving the stove may be finished in black or dark grey to blend with the slate roof.

COMMUNIry SAFETY

I do not consider there are any safety issues raised in relation to this application. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY.

The building will be refurbished to meet all current Building Regulations and will utilize a condensing cornbination boiler for rnaximurn energy efficiency.

MOVEMENT TO FROM AND WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT.

Access to the site is from the old A55, now declassified, and serves only as an access road for local residents. The access itself is more that wide enough to allow two vehicles to enter and exit the drive and visibility in both directions looks to be adequate for its new use and status.

May 2020

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