We are excited to share details of a recent Planning consent received – in collaboration with the Planning Consultancy team at JPPC – for a Grade II Listed barn conversion in a picturesque village on the outskirts of Burford.
Works include the sensitive conversion of the existing late-17th century Grade II Listed threshing barn structure - situated to the rear of the host property, and part of which had been historically used as a chauffeur’s flat but had fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years. A robust Planning strategy was set out by JPPC, which included a detailed pre-application process with West Oxfordshire District Council preceding the main Planning and Listed Building consent applications.
Assisted by JP Heritage Ltd, we undertook a careful analysis of the building through historic plans and photographs, and it was discovered there had once been a series of gabled extensions either side of the main barn, which had since been removed. The designs sought to reintroduce the historic roof forms, which enabled us to gain valuable additional floorspace at both ground and first floor, to create three large bedrooms either side of a fully vaulted and open-plan main living space within the original threshing barn structure.
Throughout, the retention of all existing and historical openings was key - Crittal glazing provides elegant contemporary insertions, while introducing natural light deep into the large barn volume. The existing threshing barn doors are retained and repurposed as large shutters - useful in controlling solar gains and light spillage at night. Internally, the existing series of roof trusses create a vaulted roof space, with a number of ecological enhancements including bat-lofts and bird nesting features – specified by Ecology By Design – integrated into the conversion to ensure that the roosting and nesting opportunities the barn currently offers would not be lost.
We were delighted to secure this hard-fought consent for our client, which will protect the barn’s integrity for many years to come. Many thanks as ever for a fantastic collaborative effort - for the direction of JPPC, the input of the heritage consultant at JP Heritage Ltd, and the detailed ecological guidance of Ecology by Design.
