Plans for a new housing development on a Runcorn farm which has stood since 1841 have been approved.

Halton Council's planning department rubber-stamped an application by Gormac Property Management to convert barns at Woodfalls Farm on Stockham Lane into five terraced houses, with an additional four semi-detached properties being constructed on site.

The existing farmhouse and barns date back to 1841 and it functioned as a working farm until recent years. The existing three-storey farmhouse – which is not part of the proposed development – continued to serve as a residential home for the owner until it was recently sold.

The  two-storey barns and the rest of the site have been closed off. The larger farmland to the south and west of the proposed site has been the subject of a separate planning application for residential development.

A design and access statement prepared in support of the application by Jade Tiger Architects, said: "The conversion aims to preserve original features as much as possible, including the existing two-storey structure and the window and door openings. The removal of the section at the western end of the barns will make way for the construction of the proposed semi-detached dwellings and their parking bays."

It added that the proposed design and building materials had been 'carefully chosen' to ensure that the new structures 'harmonise with the original aspects of the barns and farmhouse', while also providing 'comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces'.

The access statement concluded: "The proposed development at Woodfalls Farm is a well-conceived project that seeks to combine  the best of the old and the new. It not only provides a unique living experience for future residents,  but also contributes positively to the local community."

A decision notice published on the council's website said approval has now been granted.