A farmer is seeking to construct a “modern farm building” as he looks to develop the “farming enterprise” on the site.

Mr A Shorten is the new owner at Bridge End Farm in Slaidburn, where the agricultural building is planned for.

The building would include a speciality materinty ward for lambing season, and also provide space to 'fatten up' calves.

Bridge End Farm is a traditional holding with house and barns but the lack of modern facilities is scuppering the development of the farm.

A planning statement submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council said: “Bridge End Farm is a traditional holding with house and barns which has recently been purchased by the applicants, who now want to develop their farming enterprise on the site.

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“Currently, there are no modern livestock housing facilities and therefore this application is being made to build a modern farm building.

“This will enable sheep and cattle to be housed over the winter period to improve their welfare and will provide a specialist maternity ward for lambing.

“The intention of the applicant is to increase the numbers of their pedigree herd. The applicant also proposes to buy a minimum of 50 head of cattle at the age of 14-16 weeks old and would fatten these until 24 months. This production cycle would continue on a biennial basis.

“However, the growth of these enterprises is not currently possible as there are not appropriate housing facilities available to ensure welfare standards could be maintained through the seasons.”

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The applicant previously made an application to the council but this was refused in June on the ground that the appearance of the building would detract from Bridge End Farm and the surrounding area.

This time, the report says the siting has been selected to ensure the surrounding landscape is not impacted and the design is more appropriate for the intended purpose of hosting livestock.