'HIGH levels of interest' are expected by agents handling the sale of a traditional barn in Threshfield which has just been put up for sale with a guide price of around £250,000.

Ladywell Barn, at Bridge End was put on the market days after being given the go-ahead by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for it to be converted to 'local occupancy dwelling' or a holiday let.

Permission was granted despite eight representations from the public, raising concerns to do with highways, the safety of schoolchildren, the impact on Ladywell Cottage and the well itself, and the presence of nesting birds at the site.

The governors of Threshfield Primary School also raised concerns about the proposed new access to the site and the ability to provide a safe route to the school.

But, in the planning officer's report, recommending approval, it is stated that conversion of the roadside barn is acceptable.

"The proposal would not impact upon residential amenity and subject to the biodiversity enhancement measures being finalised, the proposal would also accord with relevant adopted policies.

"With regards to concerns raised in relation to road and pedestrian safety issues the Local Highway Authority raises no objection, subject to conditions being applied."

Dacre, Son and Hartley, which is handling the sale, says it is one of only a handful of traditional barns in the Yorkshire Dales national park that has planning consent to be transformed into a family home.

With its approved plan for a three or four-bedroom home, surrounded by acres of grass pasture and meadows, it is expected to attract high levels of interest, says Dacres.

The barn, with three acres of land, is on the market for £250,000; an additional more than seven acres of adjoining grassland is also available, with a guide price of £100,000.

Ian Cox, a director at Dacre, Son and Hartley, who heads up the firm’s agricultural and development team, said: “Ladywell Barn is a substantial building of traditional stone construction beneath a stone slate roof, which are both synonymous with the Yorkshire Dales and there’s no doubt it will become a very special home.

“As part of the planning consent’s Section 106 Agreement, the occupation of the dwelling is for either short term holiday accommodation or the principal residence of a person or family with an established need to live in the national park for a variety of reasons, so it will appeal to lots of buyers."