Barn conversion approved on Hannah Hauxwell's farm by council

The proposal to transform a barn into a three-bedroom house on the Baldersdale farm, which belonged to TV legend Hannah Hauxwell, was given the go-ahead on Wednesday (May 21).

Plans were submitted by Michelle Clough who resides at Low Birk Hatt, Baldersdale, Barnard Castle.

The barn, located in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a "non-designated heritage asset", and starred in the 1970s TV series about Ms Hauxwell's life 'Too Long a Winter'.

She put the farm on the market in the late 1980s after her health deteriorated and she moved to Cotherstone.

Her farm was split up – some was bought by private bidders, and 28 acres went to the Durham Wildlife Trust so rare upland meadows could be preserved.

Conversion plans received no objections from design and conservation authorities.

The ecological impact assessment confirmed the presence of bat roosts, with mitigation measures secured by condition.

The barn is also situated on the Pennine Way, and the plans include two new vehicle parking spaces.

Highways authorities had no objections, but noted that waste bins must be transported to the highway manually.

Nutrient neutrality will be achieved by replacing the existing septic tank with a shared package treatment plant.

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The proposal complies with policies on design, heritage, ecology, landscape, and sustainability.

The barn conversion, covering an area of 4,940 square metres, is subject to several conditions.

These include starting the development within three years, adhering to approved plans and sustainability measures, and the installation of an electric vehicle charging point.