Description: The grade II listed vernacular farmhouse located over the cloister of a Carthusian monastery had been empty for some time, an application for listed building consent was submitted to alter and upgrade the building as a dwelling.

Issue: Given concerns about the possible impact of the submitted scheme, the local planning authority advised the applicant to undertake specialist assessment.  This analysis explained the historical development of the house and identified surviving features of interest.

Strategy: The original application was refused, but a new scheme was drawn up based on the findings of the assessment.

Outcome: This retained significant features and spaces and reduced demolition.  Listed building consent has now been granted.