Plans to convert an old barn into three homes in the East Lancashire countryside have been given the green light.

The application will see the old barn at Peter Laithe Farm in Foulds Road, Trawden, become a grouping of one four-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes with stunning views across the Lancashire landscape.

The site, which sits within the Trawden Forest Conservation Area, would be accessed via Mire Ridge, and also feature a new detached garage block, with the plans stating the changes would “enhance the vitality and vibrancy” of the landscape.

The plans also explain an existing lean-to building will be demolished and replaced with a new lower roof, with existing outbuildings to be demolished to create garden areas.

The plans state: “The layout has been planned in order to create three two-storey dwellings.

The barn viewed from access road Mire RidgeThe barn viewed from access road Mire Ridge (Image: Pendle Council)

“The ground floor will have a large open-plan kitchen, dining, living areas to the rear, and entrances and lounge rooms to the front.

“The first floor will have three or four bedrooms with main en-suite bedrooms to the rear of the property taking advantage of the long-distance views.

“To strike a balance between traditional and contemporary, the proposal uses natural stone and aluminium framed windows to ensure the building sits discretely within the landscape and also enhances it.

“The chosen materials will ensure that the existing dilapidated building is brought back to life and repurposed for modern living.”

Located beside rolling green fields, the plans also say the new homes will be as green as possible energy-wise.

It adds: “Minimising the environmental impact of the proposal will be integral to the proposed design.

“The proposed dwellings present an opportunity to create a development which is as near carbon neutral as possible.

“There will be solar thermal and photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps which will generate underfloor heating and hot water and lighting.

“Electric car charging points will be incorporated and powered by PV panels.

“The proposal will reduce the load on the existing services network by utilising a series of sustainable technologies.

“The proposal is a carefully considered, high quality, sustainable and contemporary response to a unique site, steeped in history and a rich local character.

“It seeks to not only fit in with its context but to significantly enhance it, and makes good use of an existing building and will make a positive contribution to the local area.”

The plans were approved by Pendle Council, subject to 15 conditions.