Plans to turn disused stables into family homes approved by Pendle Council

Anthony Kay submitted plans to Pendle Borough Council at the end of July, asking to turn the stables, which are currently used as a blacksmith’s smithy and store complete with utility room, into two homes for family members.

Known as the Old Stables, they are located next to Shelfield House on Shelfield Farm, Southfield Lane, Burnley, and once formed part of the working farm, which is occupied by Mr Kay, his wife and their family.

A planning statement submitted to the council said that as changes in farming methods developed, some 19th and early 20th century buildings on the site became redundant in their present state, including the Old Stables.

Some of the buildings have already been converted into dwellings from a previous use, while others remain in their original format.

The statement submitted with the application read: “The proposal is for the conversion of part of the existing stables and include the addition of single storey flat roofed extensions, and a modest first floor extension.

“The whole conversion will provide suitable accommodation for family use as two dwellings.

“These proposals are very much in keeping with the general principles of the setting, the proximity of other dwellings and buildings will not be disordered.

“The buildings sit within individual curtilages defined in part with dry stone wall boundaries to the north-east and north west, and the existing post and wire stock fences along the field boundaries that currently surround the garden areas.”

Access to the whole farm site is from Southfield Lane, which divides into separate tracks after the main gate entry.

The planning statement confirms that the proposals would not affect the existing access routes, and parking and vehicular manoeuvring would be provided within the development proposals.

The existing stable buildings (Image: Council)

The statement went on: “Both of the proposed dwellings would have a kitchen, dining area, lounge, a house bathroom and three bedrooms.

“The larger dwelling – The Old Stables House – has the added benefit of an en-suite bathroom/shower room as the result of the small first floor extension over part of the kitchen/dining area.

“In brief, the existing outbuildings to the north west would be demolished; flat roofed extensions incorporating lantern roof lights and partially glazed elevations (south east) would be constructed to each dwelling using matching stone.

“A small extension at first floor level – northwest corner - with a cat slide roof and window is proposed to The Old Stables House.

“Car parking for a minimum of two vehicles per dwelling would be accommodated within the existing curtilages of each dwelling with a separate access to The Old Stables Cottage created within the site curtilage.”

No objections to the plans were received.

Full approval with conditions was granted by planning officers at Pendle Council on September 14, with a report stating: “The main issue to consider for the application is the proposed design.

“The building has a blank northern elevation but a south elevation with numerous openings.

“The treatment of the south elevation basically retains the existing openings and is acceptable.

“The proposal seeks single storey extensions to both properties at ground floor. These are large extensions that could affect the quality and design of the building.

“The blank elevation is on no specific quality to the building. The extensions would be largely hidden by from public views and would not compromise the design quality of the building which largely stems from the front.

“From longer distance vantage points the exteriors would look small and proportionate to the main buildings.

“Overall, despite their apparent scale the extensions would be appropriate for the building and would be good design.”