A previously withdrawn planning application to convert a former agricultural building into a two-bed house has been resubmitted a year on from the last application.

Thomas and Sheila Binns submitted plans to Ribble Valley Borough Council last year to convert the building at Meargill Farm near Bolton-by-Bowland, to enable them to continue the running of the nearby farm.

Following consultations with the planning officer in which a number of amendments were made, Mr and Mrs Binns were advised were advised the work they wanted to do would be considered as an extension of the original building rather than a conversion.

They then withdrew the plans in December in order to consider alternative design options.

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A new design statement submitted to the council says the proposed development will allow an existing traditional building to be put to new use and will ensure its long term-retention, providing a home for the applicants.

The statement said: “Although the previous application on this site was withdrawn, and therefore no planning officer’s report is available, it is the case that no objections were raised by the planning officer as to the suitability of converting the building in question to a dwelling either in terms of the condition or appearance of the building, its position within a group of existing building, and the sustainability of its location.

“The planning proposal is for the conversion of an agricultural building forming part of a traditional grouping of farm buildings, including a farmhouse and attached barn, at Meregill Farm.

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“It is understood that the original use of the building was as stables for farm working horses that would have pulled the agricultural machinery, as well as for cattle. By the 1960s, the workhorses would have been replaced by tractors.

“From the 1970s onwards, the building continued to be used for cattle and also for the storage of animal feed. In more recent years, the building has only been very lightly used for agricultural storage.”

To read the plans in full, visit the council’s planning website.