The owner of a farm near Gargrave, North Yorkshire, is proposing to change the use of an agricultural building currently used for dairy cows to five homes.

Robert Metcalfe has submitted a 'prior notification application' for the barn at Stainton Hall Farm, Little Stainton.

The traditionally built barn of natural stone and roof slates is part of a group of steel-framed farm buildings on the site.

A short distance from the hamlet of Little Stainton, the only other residential property in the area is the Metcalfe's Stainton Hall Farmhouse, on the opposite side of the road.

In a design and access statement with the application submitted to North Yorkshire Council, Lark Architects say the proposal is to create two four bedroom and three five bedroom homes out of the stone barn. It says the new homes will be accessed off the existing entrance with an improved access track, which has been used by farm traffic for many years.

It states: "The site is located within rural surroundings, with the nearest village being Gargrave a short drive away. The site contains ample room within its curtilage for the introduction of an improved access road and adequate parking with a turning area.

"The existing entrance to the site, which is to be retained, has been used by farm vehicles and machinery for many years, proving that it is adequate enough to serve the increased activity from this development."

It adds: "The site is located within a rural area and is set back away from the lane. There are also minimal surrounding properties meaning the development will have minimal impact.

"The proposed use of the site will also be an improve on noise pollution in comparison to the existing use of farm vehicles and machinery. Due to this, it is considered that the proposed change of use is acceptable in terms of noise impacts on the intended occupants of the building."

The statement concludes: "The proposal includes the change of use of one existing barn to convert to five dwelling houses in a desirable location in Little Stainton, Gargrave."

"The site falls within the criteria for permitted development and does not give rise to any undesirable impacts in accordance with the main considerations in regard to transport and highways, noise, contamination, flood risk, siting, location or design / appearance of the development."

It will now be up to North Yorkshire Council to decide whether the plans fall within permitted development and approve the prior notification application, or turn it down, and ask for a full planning application.