Plans to convert a North Yorkshire barn into a residential property with space for a mobile home have been approved.

The barn, located in Thornton Steward, near Richmond, will be transformed into a four-bedroom house, following approval by the council.

The proposal, submitted by A&I Hemsley and managed by architect Adam Day from JohnsonClark, also included a retrospective application for a mobile home already on the site.

The mobile home, which has been on the site since December 2021, will be used as temporary accommodation during the construction phase of the site which covers 0.38 hectares and also includes nearby stables and mobile caravans.

The barn, situated in a rural agricultural field, is outside the development limits of the village.

Conversion plans will maintain the barn's rural character, with minimal changes to the structure and finishes.

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The walls will be made of stone, and the roof will be covered with natural stone slates.

Windows and doors will be double-glazed, made from UPVC or aluminium, to enhance energy efficiency.

The council's planning committee report stated that the proposal adheres to policies supporting development in or adjacent to settlement limits, and the reuse of rural buildings for housing.

It is not within a flood-risk zone, and a sustainable drainage system will be used for waste and drainage.

The parish council had raised concerns about the mobile home being on-site without permission since December 2021, as well as potential flooding and the impact on the village's rural character and conservation area.

However, the council granted full planning permission, subject to several conditions.

These include restrictions on construction hours, the removal of the mobile home within one year of the barn’s conversion completion, and the installation of proper drainage systems.

North Yorkshire Council has also ensured that the development will contribute to local economic, social, and environmental conditions in line with national sustainability guidelines.

The barn conversion is set to begin on November 17.