Blackrod barn conversion into three ‘self-build’ homes plan

If approved, the new two-floor houses would “retain the agricultural character of the building” on land at Brinsop Farm near Blackrod, said McDonald Wilkinson Tonge in a design and access statement.

They said the site, which lies on the green belt, “is characterised by a semi-rural setting, with a mix of agricultural buildings and residential properties in the surrounding area”.

They added that the building has “limited visibility” from Chorley Road and said the plan would be “efficient use of an existing building” – with “limited” alterations.

Plans for the barn conversion (Image: Building Design Services)

The chartered planners also submitted a self build/custom house statement with the application which said the applicant “intends to market the new dwellings as self-builds”.

Andrew Smith, a public rights of way officer at Bolton Council, raised concerns about a nearby footpath which runs past the site plan.

The barn (Image: Bolton Council)

Though outside the site, he said it “might be affected” and the development’s impact on a public right of way is a “material consideration” when deciding whether to grant planning permission.

He said that “due to its close proximity to the development”, the applicant “should be made aware of the need to safeguard people using this public right of way”.

Entrance to the public right of way from Chorley Road (Image: Google Maps)

Mr Smith said the proposed development “must be contained within the site boundary” and cannot “extend over the public right of way”.

He added that the applicant must make sure that “surface water is not discharged onto the public right of way” and drainage solutions should be provided within the application site.

He said that any temporary obstruction of the path which is “unavoidable” must seek a temporary closure order from the council.

Town planners will have until May 25, 2026, to make a decision on the application.

Self build homes are Self-build homes are residential properties designed, commissioned, or built directly by the individual who intends to live in them.