STANDING forlorn and forgotten amid overgrown shrubs and brambles is a hidden gem of a building.

For years the mid 18th century grade II listed Groundwell Farm has been allowed to slip into disrepair and now it is no more than an empty shell.

But new life could soon be breathed into its majestic shell, thanks to dentist Patrick Holmes who plans to transform one floor of the three-storey building into a dental surgery and rent the other rooms out to other medical services.

He also wants to landscape the rambling garden and turn part of the land into car parking space.

Mr Holmes, 33, a married father of three has run Sevenfields Health Care Limited, a private dental practice in Penhill Drive for five years.

And he admits that transforming the former farm building has become an obsession for him.

"When I first saw the building I immediately fell in love with it. I am passionate about returning it to its former glory. If something is not done to restore the building really soon, it will be way beyond repair.

"As each month goes by I can see more and more damage to the structure. It is very frustrating having to wait for the council to give me the go ahead. I just want to get this up and rolling as soon as I can.

"Most people who I have spoken to about the project have advised me that the building is beyond economic repair, but I am determined to restore this wonderful old building. It is my dream, so I am prepared to throw everything into turning this into a reality.

He explained that he envisages himself working there for the next 25 years.

"I have had to re-mortgage my practice, but it is well worthwhile.

"It saddens me that it has been allowed to reach this state of disrepair."

Mr Holmes bought the derelict shell and 1.6 acre grounds in May 2002.

And since then, his agents SHC Ltd have been liaising with the borough council to resolve pre-planning considerations including asking for the lifting of a legal restriction on the building which means that it can only be developed for residential use.

Mr Holmes added: "I am sure that nobody in Swindon will want to see a building of such historical significance reach the point where demolition is the only option. Unfortunately there have been instances where buildings with important heritage have been lost to the community. Our objective is to ensure that Groundwell does not follow that unnecessary path."

Mr Holmes will be in a position to submit a formal planning application to Swindon Borough Council by late next month.