Three barns not used for agriculture for ‘many years’ will converted be into holiday lets if a planning application gets approved.

Sulis Environment Ltd’s plans say the buildings are currently used as ancillary accommodation to the Grade II-listed residence of Myrtle Farmhouse in Sidbury’s Fore Street.

The most recent work was to change the long barn from a milking barn into a skittle alley by the previous owner, but the more substantial two-storey barns are in need of ‘important repair’.

Permission was granted in 2004 to convert the barns for holiday use, but not implemented, possibly because it was too expensive, according to the new application.

Separate plans to demolish the long barn and create a single home were refused last year due to the impact on a heritage asset, so it will be retained and repurposed.

The new application says: “This application hopes to create a group of holiday units to enhance East Devon’s holiday bed accommodation by revitalising a historic group of redundant buildings, giving them a new use and a sustainable future.

“The units have been designed with family holidays in mind, so there are parental rooms and children rooms with secure play areas and family-friendly gardens.”

The site would retain its three parking spaces.

East Devon District Council will decide the fate of the application.