PLANNING permission has been given to convert a barn in Wembworthy into a one-bedroom home.

Mrs Steer-Fowler can now also extend the single-storey structure next to Wembworthy Chapel at the rear to increase the floor space from 33 square metres to 50 square metres.

The new home can have an open-plan kitchen and living room, a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and a 213-square-metre garden to the rear.

Currently the barn has stone walls, timber doors and a corrugated metal roof. The new home will keep the stone walls and add vertical timber cladding, have a slate roof with solar panels, and have timber windows and doors.

There will be enough parking space for two cars, located between the barn and chapel where the existing access is.

“The proposal would secure the conversion and reuse of a redundant rural building that positively contributes to the character of the countryside,” said Mid Devon District Council, approving the plans.

“By reason of its scale, design, materials and siting, the development would preserve the character and appearance of the building and its rural surroundings, provide an acceptable standard of residential amenity, incorporate appropriate drainage and parking provision, and would not give rise to unacceptable impacts on highway safety, landscape character, neighbouring amenity or biodiversity.

“The inclusion of renewable energy measures further supports the sustainability credentials of the development.”

Wembworthy Parish Council supported the plans.

“The PC is happy to support the conversion of the barn to accommodation which will benefit an existing resident to downsize to a more practical living arrangement,” a spokesperson said.

Two members of the public wrote to Mid Devon District Council objecting to the proposals.

Sherrie Marshall said: “If they have guests the guests will more than probably park on the street, and at peak social times, the street is too busy. Vision up and down is difficult. Also when large agricultural machinery needs access.

“Also at parish council meetings we are told the sewage system in Wembworthy is at capacity.”

And Kelly Stapley said: “The introduction of an additional residential property is likely to generate additional vehicle movements and parking demand.

“Any overspill parking or increased use of the access could have a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties and the character of the area.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can see the application on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 26/01185/FULL.