Green Belt barn conversion approved

A PLAN to convert a red brick Dutch barn into two four-bedroomed dwellings at Croft has been given the go-ahead by borough planning chiefs.
The scheme at Barrow Farm, Kenyon Lane, had been opposed by Croft Parish Council on the grounds it would be an inappropriate development in the Green Belt and because of its proximity to the Grade 2 listed farm house.
They were also concerned over increased traffic on local roads already threatened by a weight restrictions imposed by Wigan Council on Winwick Lane.
Officers recommended the scheme be approved. They argued that the development would not be inappropriate in the Green Belt because it involved the re-use of existing buildings.
A number of other buildings on the site would be demolished as part of the scheme and overall there would be a 60 per cent decrease in built form across the site. This would benefit the openness of the Green Belt.
Officers pointed out that Barrow Farm house was a listed building, dating back to 1763. It was a three-storey building with a prominent position, key to the overall appearance of the surrounding farm. As the application involved an existing agricultural building it would have a minimal impact on the setting of the farm house.