A historic Abergavenny college could be redeveloped into a residential area, under plans outlined by developers.

The Hill Education and Conference Centre, which closed in 2009, was bought from Coleg Gwent by developers Edenstone Homes in 2014.

The plans which have been submitted to Monmouthshire County Council would see the original mansion being transformed into six apartments, whilst the coach house and stables would become separate homes.

The site’s 1970s extension would also be demolished with 36 new homes being built on the site.

Ten of these 36 homes would be affordable retirement apartments, and two more retirement bungalows would be built, according to plans.

The 20-acre site in Pen-y-Pound includes a 3,260 sq ft mansion with grand staircase, 50 bedrooms, a conference centre and walled Victorian garden.

Developers also plan to reinstate the walled garden and build a new access road from Hillside.

MCC has asked developers to consider permanent public access to the garden in line with green infrastructure policy.

A local voluntary group, Friends of Gardd-y-Bryn, which tends to the site’s historic walled garden, expressed hope that development plans would keep their involvement intact.

Irena Morgan, spokesperson for the group, said, “We would very much like to see community activity retained. We did speak to the developers about this, and they did say any future decisions would be decided through the community.

“We feel strongly that, with the heritage there, the garden should be restored and community involvement kept.”

An application for planning permission and conservation area consent has been set with Monmouthshire County Council following a consultation with local people.

The garden, which is included on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales, has close connections with John Wedgewood, one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Mr Wedgewood rented The Hill from 1829 to 1835.

The site was closed by Coleg Gwent in 2009, following efforts to save £3.5m from the education budget.

The Hill’s rebirth as a residential ballet school in 2010 ended after a £2m properly deal fell through and the site was sold in 2014 despite efforts from Community Action to Save The Hill (CASH) to secure the building for community use failed to make the preferred bidder shortlist.

Monmouthshire County Council has yet to formally consider the application.