A FORMER agricultural farm is set to expand, converting a barn into a holiday let property, a gamekeeper's apartment, swimming pool and wildlife pool are also in the works.

Carlisle City Council has received an application for planning permission for Garth Head Farm in Castle Carrock.

Plans will allow the owners to move with "changes in consumer demand" following the Coronavirus pandemic.

An existing house and derelict barn will be demolished and replaced with a six bedroom dwelling for mixed residential use and holiday let.

Emporium Property Company LTD are also seeking permission for a new swimming pool building on the site of an existing derelict blockwork barn."

A wildlife tower in stonework will provide somewhere for animals, such as bats and owls, to nest and hibernate.

The applicant said that the developments would prove an asset to the area, as well as the estate.

"It is considered that the proposal complies with the policies of the Local Plan.

They said: "The scheme will bring a range of benefits, including the continued provision for a rural enterprise that will support and enhance the biodiversity of the site. There will be no detrimental impact on the rural landscape and the amenity of existing and future residents is protected.

"It is therefore respectfully requested that planning permission be granted for this proposal."

The applicant's Design and Access Statement sets out the decisions made to meet local and national planning policy requirements.

A report prepared by Lucy Gibson Consulting found that bats and barn owls roost on the site.

The report calls for a full European Protected Species Mitigation licence for bats before works commence.

“Additional barn owl nest boxes are also recommended, together with recommendations regarding timings of works to avoid impact on nesting barn owls and other nesting birds.

Emporium Property said that the recommendations can be dealt with through conditions.

The wildlife tower is designed to mitigate the impact on biodiversity.

Drainage was also a consideration in the planning process.

The applicant said: "In accordance with Policy IP6, foul water drainage will be dealt with through the provision of a sewage package treatment plant located in the north east of the site. The plant will discharge into the field soakaway system.

"The site lies within Flood Zone 1 and is not at risk from flooding. Surface water will be dealt with through the existing soakaway."