The applicant behind a plan to convert an ancient Balsall Common barn into a home has returned to Solihull planners with another application. 

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

And previously, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, applicant Brendan Connon applied for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to sign off preparatory conditions which feature in the planning permission agreement.

Now it has emerged the applicant has applied to vary one of the conditions. 

The application, lodged with the authority on December 12, says the variation is to condion one by: 

• Extending the footprint of the rear extension to the barn
• Changing the external appearance of the extension so that it replicates the detail and style of the historic 'barn' wing by using an oak frame and brick noggins structure rather than timber cladding
• Installing solar panels in a recessed section of the flat roof
• A small reduction modification to the glass roof section of the historic barn and approved utility/boot room 
• Removing the external timber 'over-cladding' from the eastern wall and southern gable of the historic barn, to reveal the original oak frame and brick noggins to public view.

A consultation period is underway closing on January 17. 

The grade II listed timber framed barn, which has fallen into disrepair, was built in 1590 with extensions built in the 1940s.

Before getting approval Solihull Council's officers had recommended refusal saying the proposed development would harm the "designated heritage assets" at the farm. 

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But the applicant argued the plans would be "fully compliant" with the National Planning Policy Framework, English Heritage Guidelines and Solihull Council policies and highlighted the positives of the scheme.

At the planning committee meeting Councillor 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 at the planning committee meeting in July.

See the full application here.