A DISUSED dairy farm building could be converted into an educational building, if plans are approved.

Billhay Farm, in Tokes Lane, Semley, has applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to convert a redundant barn into a “rural education facility”.

The plans, submitted by R&S Consultants on behalf of the owners, would see the building used as an “informal base” during farm visits by schools and nurseries.

“The farm currently offers visits from local schools, but this building will provide an informal base from which to coordinate activities,” it said.

“The building is to be converted is single storey only, with other buildings either side at 1.5 storey heights,” it went on.

The single-storey building would give an ‘informal base’ for visits by schools and nurseries. Picture: R&S Consultants/Wiltshire Council

“As the proposal only proposes the conversion of an existing building, there will be no change in scale or forms of the existing barn.

“The building is located in a secluded spot, with very limited public visibility. The intention is to retain the existing agricultural barn character, with only limited external amendments.”

The development would aid the farm in diversifying the offering, giving young people more chance to engage with rural life, it added.

A proposed layout of the adapted building at Billhay Farm, Semley. Picture: R&S Consultants/Wiltshire Council

“The proposals would have wider positive impacts within the local community, while providing purposes to a redundant building with a farm setting,” the application said.

“This proposal also ensures the continued lifespan of the building.”

Wiltshire Council planners will now consider the scheme.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/09531.