Hawford Bridge Farm near Claines aims to convert an unused hay barn into a two bedroom holiday cottage.
The barn used to hold hay, but it’s been empty for years now. It’s too small for current hay bales that are produced on the farm’s land.
Trevor Smith owns the farm and hopes this change helps it. Using the barn offers long-term security, which helps their agricultural land. He stated this is a simple change.
The barn is just a modest hay barn. Its original purpose was to serve stables, but now, it is no longer useful because it is too small for storage. The tenant does not need it, as other buildings serve their needs elsewhere. This plan helps diversify.
The plan secures the farm’s future, allowing them to maintain the agricultural land for good. They will use the empty barn as a cottage, and the plan meets all rules.
Mr. Smith got permission in 2014 to build stables and that hay barn. Part of the land has holiday outlets already, and fishing pools are also there.
You may know Hawford Bridge Fishery, as the barn sits on a 16-acre site by the River Salwarpe. The Droitwich Canal is also nearby.
The farm lands east of the A449 road, the road that links Worcester to Kidderminster. They will use the existing track for access. Smith said they have plenty of parking, and no public paths get affected, making these proposals considerate overall.