PLANNING permission is being sought to allow a 19th century Grade II listed farmhouse near Bow to be used as holiday accommodation.

Thorverton-based Stuart Crang of S&F Crang Partnership wants to make “minor changes” and rectify “unconsented works” at the main house at Clannaborough Barton to make it ready for tourists.

He has also lodged plans under a separate application to carry out similar remedial works at the five cottages on site – but these would stay residential.

The main house and the cottages, along with the courtyard, are believed to have been built in 1801 for the Wreford family, who lived at Clannaborough for three centuries from around 1650 until 1950.

The buildings replaced a former manor house to the north of the adjacent Church of St Petrock.

They are built from rendered Redland cob on rubble footings in the Georgian style, including a classically inspired veranda supported on Doric columns between the front cross wings.

To the rear of the house there is a cobbled courtyard surrounded by service outbuildings.

“The intention is to bring the house up to a high standard of decorative repair and to rectify as far as possible any work that has been carried out without planning and/or listed building consent, and to do no further damage to the original fabric,” planning documents say.

“The renovation of the main house will bring it up to a modern standard in keeping with its status and intended use, as acceptable within the constraints of a listed building.

“This will entail the provision of two additional bathrooms on the first floor of the house, and a cloakroom with disabled access on the ground floor and the replacement of the service staircase.

“These proposals have been carefully considered to minimise any alterations to the main body of the house and its character without making changes to the structure, but to give the house a viable and sustainable future.

“The house is currently classed as a residential dwelling, but being used as two residences.

“As there is no current need for a farmhouse it is intended to be refurbished for holiday accommodation which will allow an increased number of people to enjoy its history and location.”

You can see the application relating to the main house on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 26/00475/FULL.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can find the application for the cottages under reference 26/00476/FULL.