A GROUP of Buddhists who have taken over a historic property near Ledbury are working hard to bring it back into good condition.

The Triratna Buddhist Order has bought Coddington Court, a grade two listed building, to turn it into a retreat and education centre.

The building was previously the headquarters of an oil exploration company, but between 2001 and 2009 had been home to a residentual school for children with autism.

Now, Herefordshire Council has granted the order planning permission to change its use from a school into a place of worship, retreat, training centre and residence.

Other planning applications, for a wetland ecosystem treatment plant to deal with sewage, and a biomass wood pellet heating system, have also been approved.

The wetland treatment system will replace the existing system which has a history of problems, and the biomass heater is a replacement for the failing and expensive oil-fired central heating.

A spokesman said this week that the order hoped the centre will be ready for use during the summer.

"We're really busy at the moment. Because the building was empty for some years, there's so much to do and we've got our hands full." she said.

She said local businesses were involved with the renovation, with Biologic Design Ltd of Bringsty, near Bromyard, installing the wetland ecosystem treatment plant, while the heating system will be installed by the Efficient Energy Centre of Hereford and Euroheat of Bishops Frome.

When the work has been completed, the order hopes to host an open day for local residents.

Meanwhile, group member Mokshapriya has posted a video detailing plans for the site and work currently taking place online.