Applicant Geoff Hewson had sought prior approval in January to convert the steel-framed barn, on Hall Road in Spexhall near Halesworth, into a single-storey dwelling of around 150 square meters.

Plans showed a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, four bedrooms and an entrance hall with large windows, along with three parking spaces.

But East Suffolk Council planning officers rejected the proposal on three grounds.

The barn is accessed from a trail off Hall Road in Spexhall (Image: Google Maps)

They found the scheme involved the "partial demolition of the gable ends and two walls" which they deemed unnecessary for the building to function as a home.

Officers also said the proposed curtilage was beyond what was appropriate for the agricultural building and did not serve its former use.

In addition, the site lies within a Zone of Influence for protected European wildlife sites, meaning a financial contribution would be required to mitigate recreational impacts.

The building sits within open countryside on a smallholding currently used as an alpaca farm, sharing an access track with the neighbouring Old Port House.

One objection was submitted, raising concerns about the access, grazing land, and the impact on the character of the historic property.

The barn is currently part of an alpaca farm (Image: Quantrill Partners)

The local said: "The access to the proposed development is described as using the 'existing track'. This track does not belong to the applicant. It is a public bridleway.

"Noting that the applicants grazing land is already subject to monitoring by Natural England due to neglect the occupiers of the proposed dwelling could potentially be adversely effected.

"This proposal is objectional on many grounds but essentially it is changing the character and purpose of the historic relocation of the Old Port House."

Documents submitted as part of the application said the proposal "represents a sensitive, policy-compliant and sustainable reuse of an existing rural building, and prior approval is respectfully requested."

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