A BID to convert two farm buildings into holiday homes has hit some opposition.

The owners of Waterside Farm in The Chase, Paglesham, want permission to turn two barns into holiday lets.

The application has been referred to Rochford District Council’s development control committee following letters of objection from neighbours in the area.

The farm, on green belt, wants to renovate a single storey brick building and a dilapidated wooden hay store into self-contained holiday lets with parking for five vehicles on the green belt land.

Neighbours raised objections, including fears the holiday homes could later be turned into bungalows.

Objectors also said the site is within a coastal protection area where development is restricted and occupiers would be wholly reliant on cars.

However, planners have recommended approval of the scheme.

“They said: “Visually it is considered that the conversion of the building would not harm the character of the area.

“With appropriate detailing it is considered that the conversion to holiday let accommodation would result in an enhancement of the immediate setting and bring back into service a disused building, enhancing the rural economy.

“The site is within a rural location. However, is very much within close reach of the village of Paglesham and is easy to access via the main highway. The Plough and Sail pub in Paglesham is considered to be a draw to visitors to the area due to its ownership by the Oliver family and its inclusion in the Good Pub Guide.

“The wildlife and river estuary are also considered to be an attraction for visitors to the area.

Therefore, the principle of holiday let accommodation in this area is considered to be acceptable subject to detailed considerations.”

If the scheme is given the go ahead tenants must not stay for more than 28 days,

No motorised or organised outdoor activities would be permitted, including motor bikes, quad bikes, paintballing, rifle or clay pigeon shooting or archery shall be undertaken within the site at any time.

Consideration must also be given to any nesting barn owls on the site and and the owner must provide permanent roosting and nesting provision for barn owls within the converted buildings.