Proposals to knock down a house and barn in a moorland village and replace them with two detached homes have been refused by planners.

The scheme at the historic Cuckoldmans Farm, Roman Road in Hoddlesden above Darwen was put forward by Mr Oakes.

Previously three barns at the site, which includes a public footpath, had been converted into houses.

A report recommending refusal of permission by Blackburn with Darwen Council by planning officer Jamie Edwards says: "The application site relates to a traditional farmhouse and attached barn situated to the east of Roman Road, Hoddlesden.

How the properties would have lookedHow the properties would have looked

"Access is reached by a private track which also forms Public Right of Way185 that runs through the historic farm and beyond.

"Planning permission is sought to demolish the existing dwellinghouse with attached barn and construct two new detached dwellings in replacement.

"One letter of objection has been received.

"As the site is recognised as a domestic dwelling and its associated curtilage together with the attached barn formerly used for agricultural activities the application site does not fall within the definition of ‘previously developed land’.

"As such, the proposed development for the creation of two new dwellings in this countryside location cannot be justified based upon the re-use of brownfield land.

"In terms of overall scale, design and materials, the proposed dwellings would be acceptable at two storey and traditional in appearance with traditional features.

"It is considered that the dwellings would in keeping with the other buildings in the vicinity and in this respect, the proposal is considered acceptable in design and scale grounds.

"The proposed residential development is identified as inappropriate development for this countryside area.

"The proposed parking arrangements would offer substandard and unsatisfactory provision.

"The proposed development will lead to an intensification of the site in terms of increasing vehicular traffic, and due to the existing access via a long and narrow track it offers inadequate arrangements that would pose a greater risk to highways and pedestrian safety."