Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of a “dilapidated” Victorian barn back into a residential home in the scenic village of Lower Soudley, Forest of Dean. The two-bedroom property, known as Bradley Villa, had its development proposal approved last week by the Forest of Dean District Council’s development management committee following debate on August 11.
Applicants Jim and Liz Bell, who acquired the building in September 2023, aim to restore the barn to a family home. They revealed that the property was originally constructed in 1876 to house John Jarrett, the former manager of the nearby Soudley Ironworks. The house was continuously inhabited for nearly 100 years before being sold in 1970 and converted for use as an intensive piggery and slaughterhouse.
Mr Bell emphasised the building’s character, stating: “It is clear that this has never truly been a barn. Inside, original Victorian tiled floors survive, horsehair plaster traces mark where staircases once stood, and original hearths remain in all downstairs rooms. We even uncovered the rear bakery where Mary Jones used to bake bread for the village.”
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Despite initial concerns from planning officers who recommended refusal on the grounds that the proposal constituted a rebuild rather than a conversion and thus represented new development in the open countryside, the committee accepted these arguments. Local councillor Sid Phelps, who recalled canvassing at the property in 2015, contested claims that it had not been inhabited since the 1970s, asserting, “I know people lived there fairly recently. I would argue it was inhabited around 2015.”
Councillor Richard Burton, who brought the application to committee, described the proposal as “sensible and workable,” urging that it be approved. The councillors agreed, with conditions, by a majority vote of nine to one.
The restoration is welcomed by the local community, with the Bells noting “overwhelming” support. Councillors highlighted the need for additional homes for young families amidst the district’s shortfall in land supply, reflecting a policy shift towards the development of existing properties.
The approval offers hope that Bradley Villa will soon return to its former status as a cherished home, preserving its valuable Victorian features while adapting it for modern living.