PLANS to convert a vacant building in the green belt into a three-bedroom home have been approved.

The application for the London Road site came before the council’s development management committee during its virtual meeting on Wednesday.

The small cottage, known as Pine Surgery, adjoins the larger Roadside Farm building to the south. It was previously used as a shop selling antique furniture.

The site lies within the green belt settlement of Stretton, with the building locally listed.

The plans comprise the conversion of the existing two-storey building into a three-bedroom property with associated internal works and car parking.

Stretton Parish Council had objected to the scheme after raising concerns over traffic, parking and the impact on the green belt.

But council officers said the proposals will not have any greater impact on the openness of the green belt.

Furthermore, the authority’s transport team said there would be ‘no adverse highway conditions’ arising from the plans.

Committee member Cllr Bob Barr said: “I can’t see any objection to this whatsoever.”

The committee approved the application subject to conditions.