PLANS to convert a historic Monmouthshire mansion into 54 apartments could result in the loss of its "special character".

The grade II listed Troy House, in Monmouth, is the subject of a planning application which would see 23 residences built in the main building.

It is also proposed to demolish several modern structures on the site and build an additional 31 apartments in the new east and west wings.

The outbuildings were built in the hundreds of years since the four-storey mansion's construction in the 17th Century to fit with its numerous uses.

The new build wings would have two sections, one three storeys high and the other four storeys high.

The building has been vacant for some significant time and its last use as a school added "unfortunate, yet reversible changes" to the building and additions to the house.

According to a council report, the building is now in disrepair and the "significant heritage asset is deteriorating".

Concerns have been raised about the conditions of the building's roof, to such an extent that council officers are considering formal action to protect the building if necessary.

A report reads: "It is considered that a Section 54, Urgent Works Notice relating to the repair of the roof and propping of the heavily decorated plaster ceilings should be the next step an appropriate next course of action."

Mitchel Troy Community Council have recommended that the application be approved but have outlined concerns with traffic, the lack of affordable housing within the scheme and a lack of pedestrian links.

Cadw have also supported the proposals but concede that the development would cause "significant harm" to the integrity of the character of the building and its gardens.

The application has attracted objections from Natural Resources Wales on flood risk grounds and potential impacts on the Wye

Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC).