COUNCILLORS look likely to refuse permission to convert a redundant barn into living accommodation because it is near a gun club.

The application to convert the barn, in Mickleton, is to be heard by Teesdale District Council next week.

Council planning officer Andrew Bishop has recommended the application be refused because it is a noise-sensitive development that would conflict with the gun club.

Mickleton Gun Club is in a disused quarry 31 metres from the proposed development.

It has been operating for 30 years and meets once a week during the summer with occasional events at weekends.

An environment health officer's report says that when shooting takes place the noise levels at the site were up to 30 decibels above the ambient level. Noise above ten decibels can constitute a statutory nuisance.

Mr Bishop says in his report: "The occupants of the converted barn could at some time in the future make complaints about the noise disturbance to the environmental health department.

"A complaint could lead to an abatement notice being served on the gun club under the environmental health legislation."

Mr Bishop has also recommended refusal because he believes domestic use of the barn would have a harmful effect on the area of outstanding natural beauty.

The report states: "New housing development, without employment need, is seen as the least acceptable use for isolated field barns."

Teesdale council's development control (south) committee will discuss the application on Wednesday, at 5.30pm, in the council chamber, Barnard Castle.