a planning application to build a zero-carbon home on land at Fickle Hall Farm in Duckshaw Road, Darwen, has been submitted by John Sturgess The eco-friendly house would be built into the landscape, replacing an existing barn.

A document submitted with the plans said: “The scheme aims to be an exemplar low-energy property for Darwen and the intention is to illustrate how genuine low-energy houses can be built using local materials, and that are easily built using local trades.”