A controversial plan to convert an ancient barn into a home is set to take another step forward.

The scheme for the timber frame and brick barn at Barn Barretts Lane Farm to become a four-bedroom home received planning permission in the summer.

Now applicant Brendan Connor has applied to Solihull Council to sign off preparatory conditions which feature in the planning permission agreement. 

An application to formally 'discharge' conditions three (materials), four (description of action) and five (programme of archaeological work) has been submitted to the authority.

If satisfied, planners often sign off conditions within 28 days of an application's submission date – which for this application was September 9. 

The barn was built in 1590 with extensions built in the 1940s.

Councillors gave the green light for the barn conversion despite officers concerns it could harm the "designated heritage assets" on green belt land. 

At the planning committee meeting Coun Andrew Burrow, who represents the Meriden ward where the farm is based, said: "We don't have much in the way of historical assets in Balsall Common. 

"The historic barn is on the point of collapse. 

"We have the opportunity here to save an ancient barn in a way that retains its structure."

Permission was granted after the committee voted in favour by a majority of seven votes at the meeting held at the Civic Suite in July.