Residents of an Abergavenny housing development have been left confused about the future of a derelict building within their enclosed estate.

Residents of Maes Y Llarwydd have no idea what will happen to Larchfield House and Barn buildings, on the former Pen-y-Fal hospital site, after they were sold by the housing developer Charles Church.

Charles Church, under its former name of Westgate Housing, purchased the land and was granted planning permission by Monmouthshire County Council for 45 houses, five flats over garages, two new flats and the conversion of Larchfield House and the adjoining barn to provide seven apartments.

However following the construction of the houses and flats surrounding Larchfield House, the building in question was sold in 2008 to Nicholas Booth from Brecon Road and Nathan Meadows from London, according to the Land Registry.

Upon the sale of the land, planning permission was applied for to construct a four-bedroom house on the land next to the existing building, which was refused as it was deemed that it would harm the setting of the house and its open areas which contribute to the historic and architectural character of the Pen-y-Fal conservation area.

Among those who objected to the plans were local residents who raised concerns about loss of privacy and claimed that grounds of the property were not being used to best advantage.

Since the failed bid there has been no word about whether the work to the house itself would actually take place and one Maes y Llarwydd resident has now raised concerns about the impact that this derelict building has on the site, and how he feels Charles Church 'got away with an incomplete job' by failing to develop the property itself.

The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke about the acclaim that Maes y Llarwydd received from the Design Commission for Wales for its social and architectural character, and said how damaging this derelict building is to that character.

When approached by the Chronicle however, the Design Commission declined the opportunity to comment on the fact that no work has been carried out on the derelict building.

Now the residents are left in limbo, with no indication of what will be happening with the site, and no clue as to whether any development is expected following the sale.

The owners have been issued with an instruction to clean up the site and have since boarded up the windows and 'cleaned up' the grounds, but there has been no word on whether any development or improvements will be made to the property in the immediate future.

The resident spoke of how it was, 'disgraceful' that Charles Church sold the property on with no indication that works would be completed, and expressed his concerns that the property could be sold on in perpetuity and continue to fall into disrepair.

He said, "Maes Y Llarwydd was held by Charles Church to be a significant architectural development. Sadly, having got their money back with interest, they appear to have left it vulnerable."

The Chronicle has attempted to get reach of Mr Booth for comment regarding the future of the property but has been unsuccessful as he is understood to be living out of the country.

Attempts were also made to contact Mr Meadows but no response has been received.