Plans have been submitted to convert an annex so it can be used by a pair’s elderly relative as there is currently no suitable accommodation in their area.
Mr S Clarke and Mrs N Hamzij have proposed to Ribble Valley Borough Council to convert the building next to their home at Hough Clough Barn in Chipping into a ‘granny annex’ to support their relative.
The accommodation will mean they can take care of their relative by doing DIY jobs, shopping, gardening, and driving her to appointments, and means they are close by to deal with emergencies.
A planning statement submitted to the council said the converted annex will provide “modern, warm, and comfortable living” and will sometimes be used as holiday accommodation as well.
The statement said: "[The relative] will require increasing ongoing support as time goes by and there is little to no suitable accommodation in the local Chipping area."
“When not in use [by the relative], the annex will sometimes be used as letting accommodation (holiday, short or long term) complete with bedroom, office, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
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“The facilities will be to modern standards (including improved insulation and heating) and consist of four rooms – bedroom, open-plan living room with kitchen and diner, office/bedroom, and a shower room.
“The nearby Bowland Fells and Beacon Fell attract walkers, glider pilots, paragliders, cyclists, and other tourists, and there is a critical shortage of holiday accommodation. We anticipate the holiday let will support this tourism, proving quality accommodation close to the local amenities.
“The property is large enough to easily accommodate tourists. Clear instructions will be given to any visitors concerning local rights of way and easements associated with the property, to ensure neighbours’ privacy is respected.
“Whilst we are no experts in local planning objective, we have read a number of similar approved planning applications and believe the change of use will meet local planning objectives, be a sustainable use of Hough Clough Barn Annex, and has no adverse local effects.”
To read the plans in full and to comment your views, visit the council’s planning website.
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