A LARGE agricultural barn in St Minver could be turned into six dwellings, according to a proposal put before Cornwall Council.

The proposal concerns a single, large agricultural barn on land at Carruan, St Minver.

The applicants are seeking clarification as to whether the barn can be converted into the six dwellings under permitted development rights, which would mean no prior approval from the council was needed for the works, or whether it would require the submission of a full planning application.

Their plans would see the dwellings built within the external footprint of the barn, meaning externally there would be very little visual difference on the landscape.

In documents submitted as part of the proposal, the planning agent, Laurence Associates on behalf of the applicants told Cornwall Council: “It is proposed to convert the barn into six dwellings utilising the existing barn building.

“The proposed conversion will consist of one single-bed dwelling, one 2-bed dwelling, four 3-bed dwellings, and one 4 -bed dwelling.

“Each dwelling will consist of an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area, a bathroom, and an enclosed courtyard, with the exception of the single-bedroom dwelling which will not feature a courtyard.

“The external design of the converted barn is relatively simplistic which in turn helps to retain its original, agricultural character. Windows and doors are to be proportionate, with the installation of rooflights to provide sufficient natural light into all habitable rooms through the use of the enclosed courtyard areas.

“No external extensions are proposed to the building’s existing envelope, nor would any demolition be proposed. A small curtilage is proposed to the northeast in line with allowances under the permitted right, with only a small patio and parking area proposed externally.

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“Overall, the design of the conversion is intended to complement the site’s rural setting, rather than detract from the site’s visual appearance.”