PLANS have been revealed to save a derelict barn and turn it into housing.

Proposals have been drawn up to convert Bohuns Byre, in Church Street, Tollesbury, into a two-bedroom house.

The bar dates back to the 18th Century and is listed.

It has not been used for almost 30 years and is on a heritage 'at risk' list.

Plans show the barn will be clad in black weatherboarding, with a clay tile roof.

The proposal also includes an extension along one side of the building to bring light into the house and create a room

that overlooks the garden.

The application says main frame timbers are predominantly intact and contribute to the aesthetic of the building.

It says: “A residential use would secure the building’s long-term survival and would finally allow it to be removed from the Heritage at Risk

Register.

"It seems clear that residential is the only viable solution for the long-term conservation of this building and will ensure that the ongoing investment in its maintenance continues for its long-term conservation.

"A residential property would enable a sympathetic layout to showcase the original features of the building, including the rafters in an open plan format.

The byre needs considerable investment to secure its conservation, and it seems unlikely that anything other than a residential use could achieve this.

"This residential development would re-use currently redundant and disused buildings taking it off the building at risk register and lead to a significant enhancement to the immediate setting."

Maldon District Council will rule on the proposals.