A FORMER stable block near an East Lancashire village could be converted into a detached house now the owner's children no longer use it.

Ian Hartley wants to repurpose the building at Merrill Head Barn in The Long Causeway near Cliviger.

He has applied to Burnley Council for planning permission for the 'conversion, changes to roof and extension of existing stable block to provide a detached three-bedroomed dwelling, including removal of existing link building between the stable block and the adjacent garage'.

A supporting statement submitted with the application says: "The Barn at Merrill Head Farm is located off the Long Causeway, Cliviger, and is accessed via a shared driveway with Merrill Farmhouse.

"Planning permission was granted for the conversion of the barn and construction of a stable and garage block and bungalow, separated from the farmhouse, and within its own curtilage, in 2004.

"The ground area surrounding all building has sandstone flags with a cobbled courtyard between the stable block and barn.

"The existing stable block is private and has only ever been used by the owners of the barn.

"Now that the family have grown older, and the children have moved on, none of them are using the stables.

"The horses have been moved and the stable is now redundant.

"The proposal is to convert the stable block in to a three bedroom dwelling, separated from the existing garage block by removing the connecting roof over the existing open drive through.

"The building will remain as a single storey but with a slightly raised ridge and narrow extension to the side to infill the covered walkway alongside the stable doors.

"The dwelling will have its own parking and access.

"The footprint of the table block will remain but with a narrow extension to the stable entrance side of the building,

"The roof connecting the stable and garage block, with open driveway below, will be removed to create separation between the two dwellings – barn and stable block.

"A new wide opening with bifold doors and stone surroundings will be created to take advantage of the views across the garden to Cliviger Gorge."