Plans to restore a Victorian pig pen and barns on Ravensworth Estate in Gateshead

Plans to restore a Victorian pig pen and barns have been backed by two farming families in Gateshead.

A farm manager and councillor, who have farmed in the area for generations, have come together in support of plans to rescue the Dutch-style barns and pig pen at Trench Hall Farm in Ravensworth.

Whickham South and Sunniside councillor Jonathan Wallace and Ravensworth Estate manager William Hodgson have joined forces to help push for an application to construct two homes in the restoration. In addition to the new homes, the Dutch barns' roofs would also receive a face-lift.

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The proposed houses, one of which would also have a restored former pig pen attached, would contain two bedrooms, complete with gardens. Coun Wallace's grandfather, Henry Wallace, was an agent to Lord Ravensworth in the late Victorian period and would have been responsible for the original construction of the barn and Mr Hodgson's father has farmed on the land since the 1960s.

However, the plans have been recommended for refusal by council officers. A report on the application reads: "It is considered that the introduction of residential dwellings in this location would appear alien and jar with the gaming character that surrounds the application site."

The report continues: "Furthermore, the properties would also have associated features such as garaging, parking, gardens etc, which would affect the appearance of this part of the Conservation Area which has traditionally and historically been agricultural in nature."

In support of the application, Coun Wallace said: “Modern farming is significantly different to that of the Victorian period. That means many old farm buildings are now redundant. If we don’t repurpose them, we are in danger of losing them.”

Mr Hodgson added: "This is just the start, hopefully, we can also start saving these assets before they start falling apart. We have got Ravensworth Castle which we are hoping to save as well.

"It is great to have a councillor like Jonathan, he has got links to the estate, it's a personal thing for him as well as to be able to help out the family and also the farm."

Gateshead Council's planning and development committee will convene on Wednesday, October 2 at 6pm in the Civic Centre to finally decide on the application.