The leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council James Palmer wants to convert a cattle farmyard and dairy into two houses.

The existing farm and dairy buildings at Sand Street, Soham, would be demolished. In their place two bungalows would be built.

The proposed development is next to a Grade II listed 17th century building and conservation area. Each bungalow would have two car parking spaces and no trees would be demolished.

The application said: “The development proposes the use of land within the development envelope, which at present forms a non conforming use.

“It proposes the demolition of farm buildings, which due to their quality, style and appearance of the existing farm buildings, offer little to enhance the setting of the listed building and conservation area.

“It is considered the design and proposed materials of the proposed bungalows will improve the setting of the adjacent listed building and conservation area, via the glimpsed views available through the site access.

“The development causes no overlooking or over shadowing of adjacent existing properties.

“All aspects of the proposals are considered to be in full compliance with the council’s approved policies. Therefore we would request planning consent is granted for the proposals as submitted.”