A COUNCILLOR wanting planning permission to turn a derelict farm building into a garden room, and to use land as a garden, and will have his application considered by colleagues.

Andrew MacNae, a Labour councillor, is seeking permission for the change-of-use, partial demolition and extension work at his home, Yew Tree Farm, in Weir. The aim is to create a single-storey garden room and walled garden.

A planning report for Rossendale councillors states: “The applicant proposes to carry out development work including the partial demolition and reconstruction of the former agricultural building to convert it into a garden room and a walled garden to be used with the adjacent Yew Tree Farm.

“The submitted plans show the retention of the majority of the existing walled structure with a natural slate pitched roof proposed to be added above the main section of the building along with an infill extension to the east side. Timber windows and doors are proposed to be installed for the existing openings with aluminium bi-folding doors proposed to connect from the garden room into the walled garden.”

Sections of the existing external wall are proposed to be removed and enhanced, with coping stones to be added. Also, some of the internal walls  are to be removed. The application also includes the change-of-use of the land which is to be used formally for residential purposes.

Planning officers are recommending approval with conditions.  They believe the plan would be acceptable and would not harm any neighbours or highway safety. The redevelopment and re-use of the building will

improve the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding countryside, and improve conditions for the household at Yew Tree Farm, officers state.

If any bats are found in the old building, an expert will have to asked how best to protect the animals. But the likelihood of finding bats there is low, officers say.