AN existing barn in the Millom area could be converted into living accommodation if the plans are approved by Cumberland Council.

The planning application is for a site at Kilnmire Field in Ladyhall and, according to a structural report, the 50-year-old building was inspected last month (May).

The report states: "The purpose of the inspection was to verify whether the existing barn structure is adequate to convert into a dwelling. The survey was limited to a visual, non-disruptive inspection of the buildings where access allowed.

"The building comprises a steel portal framed single storey structure. The roof is cladded with cement fibre profiled sheeting supported by timber purlins off the main portal element, the elevations are a combination of timber boarding, profiled sheeting and a block wall to the lower extent.

"The ground floor is partially compacted gravel and a ground bearing concrete slab. There is a steel framed mezzanine floor to the left-hand extent of the building."

According to the report the steel frame has surface rust throughout however this has not compromised the structural integrity of the building.

It adds: "The frame appears structurally suitable and does not show any signs of distress or excessive deflection which could affect its current usage.

"The proposed conversion works will need to be sympathetic to the existing structure and will not apply any additional loading to the existing frame.

"The frame could be strengthened, if necessary, as part of any conversion works. The ground floor slab is not required as part of the proposed conversion and will be taken up. No further comment regarding the slab will be made in this report."

According to the report the block wall to the lower portion of the elevations is generally in an adequate condition and with some water proofing could be retained as part of the conversion works.

The report states: "The internal steel framed mezzanine is not suitable for inclusion in any conversion works and needs to be removed. It is unlikely that the existing building foundations will support an additional first floor structure.

 

"The timber purlins and timber side rails are over spanned and will need to be replaced/strengthened as part of any conversion scheme."

The report concludes: "The existing barns steel portal frame will need refurbished to remove all rust prior to carrying out the conversion works.

 

"The existing barn structure can be retained as part of the conversion works as the conversion works will have no detrimental structural effect on the existing building structure."

 

The planning application is currently being considered by officers in the council's planning department.