Plans have been submitted to breathe new life into a historic farm, with a restoration and some new buildings. 

The proposal, centred around Old Hall Farm in Woodford, would involve the restoration / conversion of historic buildings, the demolition of modern agricultural buildings, and the construction of some new homes. 

The site has a rich history - its prize possession is a Grade II-listed 16th century farmhouse, which would be retained if plans were approved.

There are also two Victorian barns on the farm, both of which would be 'sympathetically' converted into a total of four new dwellings. 

That is to say, a two storey L-shaped Victorian barn would be turned into three new dwellings, and a single-storey Victorian barn would become one new dwelling. 

What the new development could look like (Image via planning document)

The plans also propose three new-build homes, to be put up on the site of what is currently an 'unsightly' modern agricultural building, which would be demolished to make way for said homes.

As a whole, the plans would restore the layout of the farm to roughly how it appeared in the 18th century. 

The proposed restoration would aim to be "sympathetic in design to the heritage of the Old Hall Farm".

As the applicant argues: "The buildings are designed with complementary materials. The conversion of the existing 19th century barns will also retain key features within the wider farm setting." [...]

"(The plans) will ensure an appropriate redevelopment of Old Hall Farm while improving the setting of the listed building."

The new buildings would be 'sympathetic' with the historic character of the farm (Image via planning document)

Although the site sits in the Green Belt, the applicant argues that the planned development would not have a negative impact on the landscape. 

They say it would not encroach on the countryside any more than the current site does, and that on the contrary the proposals are considered to "deliver a unique opportunity to enhance the Green Belt".

In all, the applicant argues that the development would have a positive impact on the farm and the surrounding area. 

Making the case, they pointed out that it would deliver a number of new homes, and would demolish unsightly buildings at Old Hall Farm, thereby reducing its footprint and providing a "clear physical improvement" on the openness of the site and the surrounding countryside. 

They say it would also improve the approach to the 16th century farmhouse, making for impressive views of this key piece of local history.

It would also help restore and repair some of the historic buildings on site, some of which are in 'extremely poor' condition. 

The consultation expiry date is 1 September 2025. A decision on the plans is due in October this year.

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