A PLAN to convert a number of barns in a village into new homes has been put forward.

The proposals would see five new homes built at Noken Farm in Sinton Green near Worcester.

The agricultural unit at Noken Farm has been farmed by the Pritchard family for more than 50 years.

A statement included with the application said: “The agricultural barns at Noken Farm are part of an existing agricultural unit that extends to some 64 hectares with approximately 37 hectares of arable and the remaining land being pasture.

“The application seeks to convert four dated, agricultural barns, into five residential dwellings whilst maintaining the utilitarian feel of the buildings and within keeping of the rural character of the surrounding area.

“The farming business will continue to operate from Noken Farm and it is considered that the development will have no meaningful impact on the day-to-day business operations.

“The added presence of the proposed dwellinghouses will enhance the security of the site at a time of rising farm machinery and livestock thefts.

“The proposed development is not located next to a livestock building. The storage barn nearby is for the storage of equipment and machinery associated with the farming business and would not unduly affect the desirability or amenity value of the dwellinghouses.

“The plans show that the design has retained the characteristics of the existing barns whilst providing the functionality and standard of accommodation required for modern dwellinghouses.

“The plans show that no works beyond those reasonably necessary for the conversion are proposed with new window and door openings where required. The proposed designs are reflective of the historic character of the buildings and sympathetic to the surrounding rural setting.”

Earlier this year, a scheme by Hayfield Homes to build 55 homes on land south of Greenhill Lane in Hallow was backed by MHDC planners.

The developer has already built 65 homes on neighbouring land with the latest 55-home plan set to accompany Piper Homes’ plan to build 33 houses in the village.

You can have your say on the plan by visiting Malvern Hills District Council’s website.

The application number is M/22/00822/GPDQ and public consultation ends on June 30.