A barn “at risk of dilapidation” due to being underused could be turned into a home under new plans.

Proposals have been made to Ribble Valley Borough Council to transform the barn at Old Vicarage Farm in Talbot Bridge Road, Bashall Eaves, into a home.

A planning statement said if the barn is not utilised soon it could be lost completely, and that converting it to a home would provide it with an “optimum viable use.”

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The statement said: “At present the barn is at risk of dilapidation due to underutilisation, which could ultimately lead to the eventual loss of the building.

“The proposals to convert the barn will prevent further deterioration of the building fabric.

“The historic and agricultural character and significance of the building will be preserved as the majority of the existing fabric and building elements will be retained.”

Following pre-application discussions, it was agreed to limit the number of internal walls to maintain the character of the barn.

The living room and kitchen/dining room will be kept large and open plan to maintain this character also, and the full height will be utilised to expose the barn’s trusses.

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The statement continued: “The appearance of the barn will be substantially enhanced through the removal of the modern additions, leaving only the historic building.

“No new wall openings are proposed and the design has been determined based upon the location of existing openings.

"This will ensure the building does not appear overly residential and its agricultural character is not eroded.”

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