PLANS for the change of use of an agricultural barn to four homes have been approved.

A building in Gobolts Farm, Barnhall Road in Tolleshunt Knights, will be converted into two two-bedroom homes and two one-bedroom homes.

Each home will have two bathrooms and there will be six parking spaces.

The owner of the barn and areas of surrounding land measuring about 58 acres, purchased it more than 30 years ago.

The barn is currently used for agricultural purposes, storing tractors and other farming equipment.

There were two public objections to the plans which raised worries about noise levels, traffic increases and impact on the environmental.

Essex Highways said: “The proposal is not expected to lead to a serve intensification of the existing access, however it is advised that the existing hedge at the east and west of the vehicular access could impede visibility for users of the access and all road users; the hedge appears to be within the applicant’s control and it is strongly advised that this hedge is trimmed to restore visibility.”

Development of the homes will be complete within three years.