PLANS to convert a listed barn into holiday accommodation in the Carlisle area have been lodged with Cumberland Council’s planning department.

The application, which is for a site at The Hollies in Thurstonfield, is requesting listed building consent as well as permission for a replacement garage.

According to a heritage statement the village is located approximately 8km to the west of Carlisle on the B5307 which heads westwards towards Kirkbride.

The report states The Hollies has been designated as a Grade II listed building, it was originally listed in September 1984, and it was described as a late 18th Century farmhouse and the late 19th Century outbuilding to the left is not of interest.

It adds: “Although the former agricultural building that is the subject of the current proposals is not specifically referred to in the listed building description, it would be considered to be listed as it is within the
curtilage of the farmhouse.”

According to a separate design statement the barn is a “derelict and redundant lean-to former agricultural structures” to the north of the barn and are to be carefully taken down by hand and materials set aside for re-use.

It adds: “It is proposed to convert the principal barn to provide holiday accommodation on two levels with a games/hangout room, a bedroom, two shower/bathrooms and a workshop at ground floor level with a further two bedrooms and shower/bathroom at first floor level.

“The lean-to byre is to be converted to provide a kitchen and the former cart shed is to be reinstated to form a two-bay car port.”

The report concludes: “It is generally agreed that a building that has a use is thought to be less at risk than if left redundant, a statement supported by English Heritage and other building conservation organisations.

“The reinstatement and conversion of the barn will both stabilise the deterioration of the structure and secure the condition of the building for perpetuity in a responsible manner.”