AN HISTORIC but dilapidated barn in Ledbury town centre could get a new lease of life, - as an art gallery and cafe.

St Katherine's Barn, close to St Katherine's Hall, was used for many years as a fund-raising paper collection depot for the Civic Society, which sold newspapers for recycling, to raise funds.

But the structure of the 17th century barn was damaged from water run-off from the old electricity sub-station, and it was closed because of safety concerns.

Now the Ledbury-based interior designer, Mary Pytel, has submitted a planning application to Herefordshire Council for the "proposed repair and alteration of the redundant barn, including change of use to art gallery and cafe facility, and associated car parking".

The barn, in the Ledbury Conservation Area is Grade II listed, and the work would require listed building consent.

But the watchdog body, English Heritage, supports the application "in principle".

The barn probably dates to the 17th century, and so it is several centuries younger than the neighbouring St Katherine's Hall, which dates back to medieval times.

But some of the barn's timbers may be older.

It was probably once used as a threshing barn, and it underwent extensive remodelling in the 19th century, when panels were infilled with brick.

A report, by the applicant's architect, Roger Peachey of Hereford states: "It is proposed to bring the building into re-use as a gallery with a cafe facility.

Work will include repairs to the existing building, including underpinning, traditional timber frame repairs, brickwork repairs, the removal of brick panels and the reinstatement with lime hemp panels and lime render finishes.

"The removal of the brick panels will allow the frame to be repaired and the new panels will provide a lighter, breathable and weather resistant construction with better insulating properties."

Mr Peachey added: "New works will include the removal of flooring to the south end and the inclusion of an insulated floor slab throughout. Additionally external walls are to be lined internally with a lime hemp panel and a secondary oak frame to improve installation values whilst retaining a breathable construction.

"The mezzanine floor located at the north end is to be renewed to suit gallery loadings and will be accessed via a new staircase of contemporary design. A mezzanine floor level is to be created at the south end for administration gallery purposes accessed from a new staircase. At ground floor level ancillary areas for a small cafe are included."

There have been two objections to the applicant from members of the public, with concerns over car parking, access and deliveries to the premises.

The application calls for two new car parking spaces.

Town councillors have voiced similar concerns.

The official Town Council response states: "Members had no objection to the change of use of the St Katherine's Barn to a cafe/art gallery; however, they did object to the proposed parking area on the former substation site on the grounds of access and pedestrian safety."

The final decision lies with Herefordshire Council.