PLANS to convert an agricultural building near Tenbury into a wedding venue have been given the green light.

The application to convert the building at Parsons Hall Farm in Kyre was originally submitted to Malvern Hills District Council in October, but was later withdrawn after design advice from a conservation officer, with applicants Mr and Mrs Beavan resubmitting the application in February after amendments were made.

The couple said they wanted to convert an existing agricultural storage building into an events venue, with civil ceremonies and associated wedding receptions to be a component.

In a design and access statement submitted to the council, the applicants said the change of use was part of their plans for farm diversification, and that they wanted to allow couples to marry in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside without the need to hire a large and potentially unsuitable venue.

The statement said change of use of the barn at the farm, which already offers two luxury tree houses as holiday accommodation, would allow it to further secure its viability and future by offering a subsequent diversification enterprise.

It would be "more suited to elopements and small intimate weddings rather than large parties with a significant number of guests", the statement said, with around 20 to 30 events involving just the couple, a celebrant, and up to four witnesses anticipated each year.

Planning officer Karen Wightman's report said the main issue with the previous scheme had been the proposed works to the barn, which would see it transformed into "something like a small medieval chapel", which the conservation officer said would be out of keeping.

But, it said, the new application no longer includes any external alterations to the concrete-reinforced open-bay building.

"Although it is considered that the existing building adds nothing to the setting of the historic buildings, it is not harmful in terms of its appearance and function as a building for farming practices," the report said.

The report also said it was considered that the plans would support the existing farming enterprise, and that the scale would be appropriate for the location.

The application was approved on April 19.