A HISTORIC Ledbury building looks set for major repairs ahead of a long-awaited conversion.

Herefordshire Council this week submitted a planning application for external and internal repairs to the Master’s House.

The work includes new roofing, brickwork and windows and will concentrate on the 19th century west wing of the listed building.

A new staircase and lift will be installed while flooring, wallpaper, furniture and partition walls will be removed.

The first stage will prepare the wing for temporary council offices before the remainder is stripped for further development.

Herefordshire Council expect parts of the building will need “propping up” while the structure is exposed and inspected.

A detailed survey before the next application is vital as part of the building dates to the 15th century.

The long-term aim is for the landmark to house a variety of services and the library, currently in the Barrett Browning Institute.

Plans to move the library were first suggested nearly a decade ago while a £3million redevelopment was scrapped last year.