OLD barns at a former dairy farm could be converted into new homes.

Plans have been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council proposing three new homes at Cuckoldman’s Farm, which adjoins Roman Road on the outskirts of Darwen.

The former dairy farm was purchased by the applicant in 2016 and comprises a two bedroom farmhouse with two cottages, detached stone built barn, and a range of other barns and farm buildings.

The application relates specifically to two agricultural barns which are to be converted.

At present the farm yard also contains a number of other buildings that are to be demolished.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: "The plans illustrate that post construction the building could provide two  four bed dwellings and one two bed dwelling.

"Existing building openings have been retained as far as is reasonably possible and reinstated as window features to ensure that maximum light can be

pulled into the property without significantly altering the character of the existing structure.

"The conversion would see the sympathetic replacement of the barn door

openings with glazing and all additional windows have been kept to a minimum.

"The roof will be retained and enhanced utilising natural slate and the window/ door finishes will also adopt this traditional approach with natural timber proposed.

"The design concept developed for building B has centred on drawing light into the building without introducing numerous domestic features that would compromise the agricultural character of the existing structure.

"Subsequently, the north east elevation that fronts the farm

courtyard has been selected as the most appropriate to create a glazed feature that will pull light into the building.

"This glazed curtain wall will be stepped back to expose the buildings

steel structure which will best retain the agricultural character of the site.

"Positioning this feature fronting the courtyard will also ensure that the most domestic views are polarised within the farmyard, thus minimising impacts on the open countryside.

"The existing corrugated metal cladding will be replaced with high quality

timber and the roof will be replaced with new profile cladding."