The owners of a barn near Kenilworth Castle have once again been refused permission to turn the building into a home.

Plans to turn the stable building at High House Farm into an "innovative, high quality" four-bedroom home were put forward to Warwick District Council (WDC) last summer.

The application said the green belt development would add to the "stunning new builds" already approved on Purlieu Lane by pushing the "architectural envelope".

"The proposed dwelling takes an innovative approach to its design, utilising the wind, sun, and rain, whilst being sensitive to the environment," the application said. 

"The rooftop encompasses wind turbines, solar panels, solar thermal, a hot water tank and water storage, all of which are not visible from the ground and the turbines will be surrounded by grates to ensure there is no impact to local wildlife." 

The elevations for the proposed new house (image via planning application)

Plans showed the rooftop would provide an "oasis for birds" in the summer with a reservoir and rooftop planting.

Two sunken 5,000 litre water tanks were also to be installed, alongside ground source heat pipes.

But planners at WDC said the proposal would "result in harm to the openness of the green belt" and refused to grant permission.

"Based on the information submitted at application stage, officers do not consider that there is sufficient evidence provided with the application to demonstrate that the proposal will be innovative or exceptional design, which is truly outstanding and reflects the highest standards in architecture," the council's report said.

It added: "The new dwelling by reason of its design including flat cantilever features and glazed elements, and height, which is taller than the existing building, is considered to introduce a prominent feature within the landscape which is considered to be incongruous to the heritage landscape."

See the full plans here.

The development would have seen the stables at High House Farm demolished and rebuilt (image via Google Maps)