PLANS to turn a barn into housing have been rejected.

Cuddington Manor Farm in Weaverham has seen a planning application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council turned down.

The rare breed pig farm had been hoping to convert an agricultural building into five residential units of various sizes.

According to the application, submitted by Groves Town Planning on behalf of the farm, the site is 'grossly underutilised' and is currently used to store feed and equipment.

It continues, explaining the building could be converted with 'minimal' physical alterations.

“Window and door openings will reflect existing openings and where necessary will be presented in a manner which reflects the functionality of the building and its original purpose,” the application adds.

“Space around the building will serve as open space for domestic purposes, but the new dwellings will clearly have the benefit of open outlook on all sides across open countryside.”

Northwich Guardian: A notice of the planning application at the farmA notice of the planning application at the farm (Image: CWAC/Groves Town Planning)

However, on Wednesday (April 10) Cheshire West and Chester Council formally rejected the plans.

A report prepared by case officer Jo Redmond said the scale of the work which would be required would amount to a 'rebuild' of the site and not a 'conversion'.

It reads: “It is expected the required works would include a new first floor, a new internal wall behind the upper section of the walls, insulation and a new roof and the insertion of windows and doors.

“It is considered these works would go beyond building operations reasonably necessary to convert the building to a dwellinghouse.

“The proposed works to all elevations amount to a substantial re-building of the pre-existing structure and that would effectively create a new building.”

The report adds that the proposed alterations would be 'unsympathetic' to the building’s existing appearance and would thus 'fail to protect the character and appearance of the area'.

While the plans have been rejected, the applicants have the right to appeal the decision with the Planning Inspectorate.