Proposals have been made to convert a large disused barn into three contemporary family homes near Blackburn.

The application by The Pendleton Estate proposes to convert Sykes Barn in the Ribble Valley village of Copster Green into three “high-quality” homes each made up of three storeys.

The current barn and its surrounding buildings are “no longer suited to modern farming techniques” according to the application, and the site “requires re-purposing for a new use.”

The proposal is for the main barn to become three four-bedroom homes and the outbuildings to be converted into garages and storage areas.

READ MORE: Five-bed house between Hurst Green and Stonyhurst approved

The response to the pre-application determined that the development was acceptable in principle, though the four inset balconies were deemed to be unacceptable and a number of the roof lights on both the main building and outbuildings had to be omitted and replace with conservation-style lights.

Full approval is yet to be granted by Ribble Valley Borough Council at this stage.

A design and access statement put together by Zara Moon Architects said: “The site requires re-purposing for a new use which would safeguard the future of a traditional character building within this area, through a high-quality design proposal.

“We have worked together with the applicant to create a solution to re-purpose the existing site through a sensitive design proposal, whilst being mindful of the surrounding context and characteristics of the existing buildings.

READ MORE: Darwen town centre's Bar Java set to become flats and office

“The completed scheme would create three outstanding family homes, and an exceptional example of rural property design, suitable for sustainable, contemporary living.”

The statement added that the existing courtyard will be used as private amenity space for each house, benefiting from screening and protection from its location on Longsight Road.

Plans will now be considered further by the council before a decision is made on its approval.

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