PLANS to demolish a farmhouse gutted by fire and replace it with a new home have been approved by council officers.

The planning application for the site near Longtown was put before Cumberland Council earlier this year.

"The house is in a very poor state of repair and structurally unsound as a result of the fire damage and subsequent vacancy," the design and access statement says.

"It is viewed that demolition of the existing property, and erection of a new dwelling, would be the most suitable solution to maintain the use of the site."

Architects Black Box have designed the replacement structure.

"The design of the proposed replacement dwelling aims to increase the overall living area available whilst maintaining a similar footprint to the existing dwelling," they said in planning documents.

"This is achieved by designing a two-storey dwelling in a traditional format.

News and Star: Plans for the new build from the council planning portal.Plans for the new build from the council planning portal. (Image: Black Box Architects)

"It is intended that the proposal will improve the overall aesthetic of the frontage given the poor condition of the existing house, the uplift in materials, finish and design of the proposed dwelling, creating a more defined frontage to the plot and the site as a whole."

The decision on the application was delegated to planning officers.

"In overall terms, the principle of the proposed replacement dwelling is acceptable, as is the scale and design of the proposals," officers said in their report granting permission for the work.

"The application site would not affect the amenity of any neighbouring properties, nor would it have a detrimental impact on highway safety or biodiversity."