A FARM near Hereford wants to knock down barns and replace them with a new farm shop, cafe, offices and parking for up to 60 cars.

A planning application has been submitted to Herefordshire Council, outlining the applicant's plans to demolition the existing barns within the grounds of a listed building.

Planning documents said the development at Warham Court Farms, Broomy Hill, "should have a positive impact on the surrounding character and amenity of the surrounding area".

The design and access statement said: "Warham Court Farm is an extensive landholding with listed buildings, barns and a number of commercial, agricultural and charitable endeavours.

"The development site comprises a small area off Breinton accommodating tin sheds and an old timber barn set in existing hardstanding."

It added: "The existing three buildings form a three-side courtyard open toward the listed building. The new accommodation maintains this arrangement with little if any increase in footprint.

"This is achieved by removing the two incongruous metal barns and replacing with a new structure, and rebuilding the existing timber barn maintaining its traditional, vernacular architecture.

"There is an existing access either side of the development. The existing hardstanding for horse training will be modified to form hardstanding for 60 cars with gravel surface."

Planning documents show the barns will be replaced with similar sized buildings which will be built with rural style materials, such as brick plinth, timber cladding, tiled roofs, and galvanized gutters.

An overhang of the roof on the courtyard side, along with an open gable, should "reinforce" the building entrance and "accommodate public activity along its edge".

The windows and doors will be new aluminium.

The farmhouse, which is a listed building, does not form part of the application.

"The proposed buildings, being in a traditional style, are an improvement on the current structures," the application added.

"The use of the buildings as a shop and café will also enable the farmhouse to be experienced by more people."

Consultation on application 204242 is open until February 4, with a decision expected after March 1.