A RETROSPECTIVE planning application was submitted to change an existing outbuilding into holiday accommodation.

The applicant, Michael Oliver, submitted a retrospective planning application to Northumberland National Park Authority to change a building into self-contained holiday accommodation at Vallum Villa, Bardon Mill.

The heritage statement submitted as part of the planning documents said: "The property is operated as a holiday let by the owners of the site. The applicant has renovated the holiday let to a high standard and seeks to ensure a successful and sustainable future.

"The site is located just outside the land designated as forming part of the ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site’. Adjoining the site’s northern boundary is the scheduled ancient monument: ‘The vallum between the road to Steel Rigg car park and the road in Caw Gap in wall miles 39, 40 and 41’."

The building, which was renovated in 2016, is described as a 'stylish conversion, displaying features of traditional and contemporary style'.

"The wood exterior reflects the rural setting of the holiday let whilst providing facilities catering to the desirability of holiday seekers, such as private outdoor patio and seating, fire pit, hot tub and a private parking space," the statement said.

Due to the retrospective nature of the application, the statement said the change of use would not impact local heritage assets.

"The site contains no designated heritage assets and there are no listed buildings within 2km of the site.

"Within a 500m radius of the study area there is a scheduled monument and a UNESCO world heritage site [a vallum and Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site].

"It is plain that the development does not result in harm to the significance of the heritage assets."

The statement concluded: "The change of use of this outbuilding accords with local planning policy, which states that the conversion of buildings will be supported, when it is ‘compatible in nature, scale and level of activity with the surrounding locality and any neighbouring buildings'."