Planning permission for a barn conversion near Usk has been granted by councillors after an original recommendation for the plans to be refused.

A proposal to convert a disused barn on Dyffryn Farm into a home for an elderly couple was initially set to be junked by Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee, only to survive after an ‘emotional’ case was propped up by a councillor’s saving grace motion.

Ken and Joy Lewis, of Dyffryn Farm, at Pen-y-Cae-Mawr near Usk applied to convert a former cow shed on their land into a home, freeing up their bungalow for their son and daughter-in-law.

After first considering the 48 sq metre building to be too small for permanent residents, a spirited debate between councillors lead to a motion from Monmouth town councillor Matt Feakins for the work to go ahead, provided that MCC retained the right to veto any further development.

Glyn Williams, a local farmer, and speaking on behalf of the Lewis family, said the plans would be in keeping with MCC’s commitment to affordable housing policy.

“This is an old cow shed not fit for modern farming. If left alone, it will only deteriorate further and probably fall down. I don’t think that would ‘enhance the beauty of the local area’ of which we hear so much.

“Now, allowing this application would free up the bungalow on the same site, so a couple could move into it. It’s either that, or they will have to move elsewhere. Anyone who grew up in the countryside will tell you they don’t want to move into a town. I know I never would.

“Those who want to move into the barn are happy to do so, and it would also solve a problem for a young couple. We spend a lot of time hearing about getting younger people into affordable housing. Here’s the chance.”

Maureen Powell, of Abergavenny’s Castle ward, said the original objection which deemed the space ‘insufficient’ for permanent residents should be disregarded.

“I’m not going to get into the emotional side of it. We have council flats in Abergavenny, one of which a friend of mine lives in, which are smaller than this. People also live in permanent caravans, which are not much bigger than this. I think if the couple are happy to move into this space, we shouldn’t pose a problem,” she said.

Debby Blakebrough, an independent councillor for Trellech United, said, “Size is subjective. I am aware that a studio room in Chelsea, which is five by six square metres, is going for nearly a million. There’s an element of choice here. If they’re willing, should we really get in the way?”

The motion was carried, with two objections.