Prior approval to turn a barn - which has been used to house cows for over 40 years - into five homes has been signed off by district planners.

Two objections had been made to the scheme to create two four-bed and three, two-bed homes at Crackley Farm, but planners said there was no reason to block the proposals.

The application says the Crackley Lane barn had been used to house a herd of cows during the winter since 1980, but has been out of use since the then farmer passed away in 2021.

Plans show the main structure of the building would be kept, with new internal walls, doors and windows installed to complete the conversion.

"The nature and appearance of the building will not be inappropriate in the rural setting," the application said. 

"Indeed, the frame and the majority of the building fabric would remain, thereby ensuring that it would be clearly legible as a former farm building in the landscape, both in terms of its form and appearance. 

"The balance of cladding and glazing on each elevation is considered appropriate for its setting. 

"Materials used will be of a high quality and works will be carried out to the highest standard, to ensure that the building is well constructed and energy efficient."

The application also says extensive cleaning of the site would be needed.

Granting prior approval for the project, a Warwick District Council report said: "The location and siting of the buildings does not make it impractical or undesirable for the use as dwellings."

It added: "The building is proposed with a modest range of windows and doors to facilitate the use as dwellinghouses. I am satisfied that the windows and doors create functional dwellinghouses whilst retaining the original character."

See the full application here.