THE failed roof structure of a medieval tithe barn on the Quantock Hills is to be replaced before it collapses.

There were fears the grade two listed barn in East Quantoxhead was no longer structurally sound, but now the East Quantoxhead Estate has been given planning permission to replace the roof of the building and its outshoots.

Somerset Council planning officer Kerry Kerr-Peterson said the work was needed to sustain and enhance the significance of the tithe barn, the setting of adjacent listed buildings, and the distinctiveness of the Luttrell Estate.

Ms Kerr-Peterson said the estate had received a Quantock Hills National Landscape Farming in Protective Landscapes grant to help finance the project.

She said: “The principal aim of the scheme is to replace the roof covering of the barn and outshots, replacement of the roof structure of the Engine House and north part of the outshot.

“The roof has been inappropriately repaired in the past, leading to deterioration of the fabric, including the use of under-sized timbers in the outshot roof.

“The proposed works comprise a comprehensive, sympathetic scheme to bring the iconic building up to a high standard of maintenance.

“This will be beneficial for the longevity of the tithe barn, the setting of the surrounding listed buildings, and the aesthetics and appreciation of the wider, historic estate.

“ The building has evidential, historic, aesthetic and communal values.

“The construction methods and craftsmanship demonstrate its inception and historic development.”

Ms Kerr-Peterson said negotiations had taken place and conditions added to the planning permission to ensure the approach to the repairs was ‘conservative and authentic’.

She said: “The proposed works comprise a comprehensive, sympathetic scheme to bring the iconic building up to a high standard of maintenance.

“This will be beneficial for the longevity of the tithe barn, the setting of the surrounding listed buildings and the aesthetics and appreciation of the wider, historic estate.”

Somerset Cllr Rosemary Woods supported the application, which she said had been prepared with a great deal of thought.

Cllr Woods said: “I appreciate this respects the historical aspects of this building and I am sure the restoration of the thatch and the new oak roof will ensure this will survive.”

Planning agent Jon Colvin, of Greenslade Taylor Hunt, said: “The repair work to the tithe barn is extensive and work will need to be undertaken at high level above the shelter sheds.”

Mr Colvin said nearly every building locally belonged to the estate, which was ‘a very rare survivor’, having been in the Luttrell family ownership for nearly 700 years and by descent since 1078.

He said it covered more than 42,000 acres from the top of the Quantocks to mean low water mark in the Bristol Channel, and from St Audries to Lilstock.

The estate’s value had been recognised with the Government designating heritage status, which had allowed Hugh Luttrell and his trustees to keep the whole estate together following the death of Sir Walter and Lady Luttrell in 2007 and 2009, respectively.