LONG-STANDING plans to convert a historic Monmouthshire mansion into 54 apartments will be rejected, unless the applicants can provide additional information.

Applicants Timbershire Ltd, based in London, have been told they have “one last chance” over plans to convert the grade II listed Troy House in Monmouth, which would see 23 apartments built in the main building.

It is also proposed to demolish several modern structures on the site and build an additional 31 apartments in the new east and west wings.

At a planning committee meeting yesterday, councillors refused permission for the application, but agreed to give the applicants until July 31 to provide additional information.

The plans will then be reconsidered at the planning committee meeting on August 1.

Cllr Phil Murphy, member for Caerwent, said it was a “priceless building.”

“It is a crying shame it is falling into wrack and ruin,” he said.

Cllr Roger Harris, member for Croesonen, said he hopes matters will be resolved by the next planning meeting.

“It is a pity we have got to this state,” he said.

“I can but hope we get the relevant information by August 1 and that we are not at this point again.”

The building has been vacant for some significant time and its last use as a school added “unfortunate, yet reversible changes” to the building and additions to the house. According to a council report, the building is now in disrepair and the “significant heritage asset is deteriorating”.

Concerns have been raised about the conditions of the building’s roof, to such an extent that council officers are considering formal action to protect the building if necessary.