Permission has been granted to convert a dilapidated Victorian barn back into a residential home in the Forest of Dean. The barn, known as Bradley Villa, is located in Lower Soudley and was originally built in 1876 as a home for John Jarrett, manager of Soudley Ironworks.
Jim and Liz Bell received approval last week to develop the two-bedroom property, including the installation of a new gravel driveway, following consideration by the Forest of Dean District Council’s Development Management Committee on 11 August.
Initially, council officers recommended refusal, viewing the proposal as a rebuild rather than a conversion. They argued that this would constitute new development in open countryside, contrary to local planning policies.
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However, Mr Bell clarified that the property was lived in for nearly a century before being sold in 1970 for use as an intensive piggery and slaughterhouse. Upon acquiring the site in September 2023, the Bells recognised its potential as a self-built home.
He emphasised that inside the barn, original features remain intact, including Victorian-tiled floors, horsehair plaster marking the former staircase location, and original hearths in every downstairs room. Additionally, the rear bakery where Mary Jones once baked bread for the village was uncovered during restoration works.
The Bells noted strong community support for their plans and appealed to the committee to view the property beyond its modern classification as a barn, recognising its heritage as a home and its capacity to be restored sensitively.
Councillor Sid Phelps, who canvassed the area in 2015 while serving on the Ruspidge and Soudeley Parish Council, confirmed the property had been occupied as recently as that year, challenging suggestions that occupancy ceased in the 1970s.
Councillor Richard Burton described the application as sensible and workable, highlighting that most initial concerns had been addressed. Both he and Councillor Beth Llewellyn supported granting permission.
Despite initial officers' concerns about the nature of the development, councillors argued that replacement of the roof and other works were reasonable measures to maintain the building. Structural reports submitted with the application supported this view.
The committee ultimately voted nine to one in favour of granting permission, subject to conditions, enabling Bradley Villa to once again become a cherished home in the Forest of Dean.