A BID to demolish and replace an historic wall at a Grade II-listed 17th and 18th century farmhouse close to the Shropshire/Powys border has been approved by planners.

The work for East Farm, in Crickheath, between Oswestry and Llanymynech, was given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council planning officer Ruth Hitchen this week.

According to a planning and access statement submitted with the original plans in January this year, the work is to primarily replace a ‘decayed historic timber frame’ with a new oak one.

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It added: “While the 18th century brick facing to the south-west gable is a historic feature in its own right, the removal of it does not detract from the principal significance of the structure as a complete example of a 17th century farmhouse.

“At the same time, its addition in the 18th century has undoubtedly contributed to the decay of the historic timber frame behind it by trapping moisture against the frame in the heart of the wall where it could dry out only very slowly.

“There is little point in reinstating a feature that has performed so badly nor in altering the detailing in such a way as to allow it to perform better, given the extent of alterations that would need to be carried out.

“The condition of the brickwork has proved to be such that the majority, if not all the bricks in any reinstated wall would need to be new, so it would not even be the case that historic material was being reused.”

In her report, Ms Hitchen said the work, was necessary to maintain the building’s integrity, having initially become an issue after the owner needed to carry out emergency works.

This, she said, led to Historic England becoming involved in the process and even visited the site on more than one occasion.

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She concluded: “The proposed work of repair and replacement is considered necessary to ensure the long term stability of the designated heritage asset of the will retain its significance by the quality of materials and workmanship used.”

Historic England had raised concerns over the work but Ms Hitchen’s report explained that a Shropshire Council conservation officer had explained that the wall would be built in a similar fashion to its predecessor.

No comments were received from Oswestry Rural Parish Council and the public.