Plans to convert barns in hamlet near Blackford into two homes are approved

Plans to convert barns in a hamlet close to Blackford into two homes have been given the go-ahead by Sedgemoor District Council.

A planning application to determine if prior approval was required for a proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to two dwellings (class C3), and associated building operations at Manor Farm, Westham, near Blackford, had been submitted by Hugh Sexey's Hospital.

The buildings for conversion form part of a small farm holding. The barns, one traditional and one modern, are currently used for general storage for agricultural machinery and equipment.

The traditional barn is located to the southern end of the site. It is a Victorian era single storey brick and stone building.

The modern barn, believed to be built in the 1980s, is located to the northern end of the farmyard, and is constructed from concrete block, Yorkshire boarding and a steel frame.

The traditional building is used for general farm storage but not suitable for modern agriculture due to the natural of its construction, with small openings not allowing access for machinery.

With regards to the modern barn, while larger in size, the farming enterprises have changed on the holding moving the livestock away from this unit and consolidating livestock accommodation to another nearby farm.

The barns form part of Manor Farm, which is a small tenanted farm holding. This farm was previously used for rearing beef and dairy cattle.

With the traditional barn being restrictive in size and the modern barn not providing suitable through ventilation to meet with current requirements for livestock housing, the application said they have become largely redundant, just being used for farm implement storage.

Sedgemoor District Council agreed, and have now granted permission for the change of use to two homes.