CONTROVERSIAL plans for an award-winning local architectural company to remodel a family home in Tintern have divided the community.

The owners of Forest Lodge, which is located in the secluded area of Botany Bay in Tintern, are seeking planning permission from Monmouthshire Council to allow Chepstow architects, Hall and Bednarcyzk, to remodel their existing three-bedroom home to create additional family space.

However, the plans which include introducing a lightweight timber frame expanding the first floor and adding a second floor for a studio/office, have been met with opposition from local councillors and residents. Some claim the modern design is not in keeping with the area, which falls within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Tintern Community Council recently objected to the plans claiming "it is not in keeping with other properties in the area".

One local resident submitted an objection claiming the application was for the type of building which wins awards in architectural circles but is totally out of keeping with the Wye Valley AONB.

Architects Hall and Bednarczyk, based in Chepstow, were last year named the winners of the prestigious 2011 RIBA Award for Architecture, for the newly constructed four bedroom house, Blue Door, located within the Wye Valley. The husband and wife team, Martin Hall and Kelly Bednarczyk say they have carefully considered Forest Lodge's woodland setting in its design plans.

Local resident, Dr David Greenhalgh has submitted a support letter to the council saying: "I support the proposal to remodel Forest Lodge as the proposed design is modest and considered whilst being contemporary and progressive. I don't agree the building will not be in keeping with other dwellings in the area. If anything the proposed design shares much in common with the adjacent scout lodgings, which harmonise with the natural environment."

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