AGRICULTURAL buildings at a Binton farm will be demolished and barns converted to houses in a scheme approved by Stratford District Council planners.

The Avon area planning committee meeting last Thursday gave planning permission and listed-building consent for stone and brick barns at Binton Hill Farm to be converted into four houses.

A similar application was refused by the council just over a year ago. But planning officers this time recommended approval for residential development after the applicants said they had received little interest trying to market the site for commercial use.

Ward member Councillor John Winterburn said before the meeting: "I prefer residential development rather than business use of these buildings and hope it will be possible to accommodate a decision to grant in our general policy."

Nearby residents also sent in six letters supporting the application, which said the development would enhance the look of the area and would be more suitable than commercial development.