A couple will finally be able to build their retirement home they were planning after proposals were accepted by the council at the second attempt.

David Smalley and his wife twice applied to Ribble Valley Borough Council to convert the barn at Big Holme Farm, Bolton-by-Bowland, into a home they could retire in.

Plans were first submitted in July of last year before being rejected in September, and then submitted again in early November.

READ MORE: Couple re-submit plans for barn conversion after council rejection

The proposals had previously been rejected as the local authority felt it went beyond what was “reasonably necessary” to convert it into a home, and due to its scale it would look out of character in a rural environment.

They had also said there were no public benefits to the development and that would outweigh the harm that would occur to the barn.

Lancashire Telegraph: Plans for the ground floor of the barn conversionPlans for the ground floor of the barn conversion (Image: Ribble Valley Borough Council)

When re-submitting their plans, Mr and Mrs Smalley said they felt the extensive works and extension to Big Holme Farm were typical of nearby rural properties.

READ MORE: Two family homes in Whalley plan refused by council

This has now been accepted by the council, who approved the plans subject to various, standard conditions.

The ground floor of the barn will have an open-plan family room consisting of a kitchen, dining, and lounge area.

There will also be a formal living/dining room, a utility room, a boot room, and a guest bedroom with ensuite.

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Upstairs, there will be a master bedroom with ensuite, two double bedrooms, and a family bathroom.

Anyone wishing to view the plans in full can do so on the council’s planning website.