PLANNING permission is being sought to convert two barns in Sturminster Marshall into seven houses.

Lomand Homes Ltd has applied to Dorset Council to create four three-bedroom and three two-bedroom homes at Henbury Farm.

Its plans include the provision of nine parking spaces and none of the houses would be made available on an ‘affordable’ basis.

A biodiversity assessment submitted with the planning application says the site has a “negligible” natural importance.

It does recommend, however, that a wildlife pond be created alongside the installation of bird boxes and two insect houses and planting of “wildlife-friendly” plants.

The barns earmarked for conversion are on the western edge of the site off the A31.

The application will be considered by planning officers at Dorset Council in the coming weeks.