PLANS to turn an agricultural building into a home in Oxenhope were backed by the village’s parish council.

Members of Oxenhope Parish Council were asked to consider proposals for New Stones Farm, off Hebden Bridge Road.

The applicant wants to turn a building into a three-bedroom house, while preserving the property’s original character and appearance.

Acting chairman Councillor Robert Goulding confirmed the single storey building is on green belt land.

Cllr Peter McManus noted there are permitted development rules enabling redundant agricultural properties to be turned into residential buildings.

Worth Valley Ward councillor Chris Herd said he would prefer to see the property renovated and made use of than fall into disrepair.

Cllr Goulding said he had no objection to this particular scheme. But he added councillors should be aware they are likely to see increasing numbers of applications for these kinds of conversions.

Parish councillors agreed to back the New Stones Farm plans, which will be decided by Bradford Council.