A MOORLAND farmhouse and barn is to be turned into a luxury six-bedroomed home.

Amar Ali has been granted planning permission for the conversion of the unused buildings at Higher Grimshaw Farm, Johnson Road, Eccleshill.

The approval of a revised scheme after advice from planners and objections from neighbours has 12 conditions attached.

A design and access statement submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council by Urban Future Planning Consultancy says: “Farming use of the buildings at Higher Grimshaw Farm ceased several years ago and consent was granted in 2019 allowing the conversion of the barn and former farmhouse into two dwellings.

“The applicant seeks to secure the longstanding vacant building’s future use by bringing to fruition a single, aspirational dwelling house, providing excellent quality, contemporary living accommodation within a pleasant rural setting.

“Consent is sought for the conversion of the farmhouse, barn and shippon to create a single six-bedroom dwelling with accommodation set over two storeys alongside the erection of a single-storey garage with a shallow pitched roof.

“The design rationale is to create contemporary and aspirational living accommodation that is energy efficient with much natural light, that takes advantage of the pleasant rural setting and open views.

“Where possible, the conversion of the barn and farmhouse will generally retain and reuse existing openings, including the wagon entrance.

“The introduction of new window openings in the revised scheme has been restricted to the least sensitive elevations of the building.

“The shippon will retain its original door and window openings with discrete new rooflights introduced.

“The existing corrugated roof sheets to the former farmhouse will be removed and replaced with matching slate.”

A report by planning officer Christian Barton said: “The main part of the existing building likely dates back to the early 1800s.

“The buildings are therefore considered to be of some historical interest.

“However, the existing building has been significantly altered over the years.

“In addition, the site does not benefit from any designated heritage status.

“Subject to appropriate conditions, the proposal would be acceptable in principle."