Plans to convert a Darlington farm building into two houses have been lodged with the council.

Proposals, submitted by Mr Robert Walton, involve transforming a redundant barn at Hunger Hill Farm, Neasham Road, Middleton St George, into two new homes.

The barn, which was in agricultural use prior to the relevant date of March 20, 2013, is eligible for conversion under this order.

The application includes necessary building works such as the installation of windows, doors, exterior walls, and utilities.

Designs aim to preserve the original character of the barn, retaining the steel-framed structure and curved roof.

The new homes will feature modern glazed windows and larch timber cladding.

Each dwelling will have an internal area of 156.7 square metres, exceeding the national minimum space standards.

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Landscaping plans involve demolishing the existing piggeries on site and levelling the surrounding area to create open space between the barn and the farmhouse.

The site, which is generally flat, offers easy access. Existing parking spaces will be maintained with minor adjustments, and the access road will be updated to provide a passing space for vehicles.

A transport assessment, including a speed survey for the nearby Neasham Road, deemed the access road suitable for the development.

The survey found that actual traffic speeds were lower than the unrestricted 60 mph speed limit.

Noise impacts are not expected to be significant, given the quiet rural location of the farm.

A Phase 1 contamination report revealed a low risk of contamination, but further investigation is recommended before construction.

The site is in Flood Zone 1, indicating a very low risk of flooding and designs ensure habitable rooms will have adequate natural light, meeting building regulations.

The conversion will be carried out under Part Q of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), which allows agricultural buildings to be converted into residential properties.