A RANGE of redundant agricultural outbuildings set in open countryside can be converted to offices, workshops and storage, say councillors.

The scheme was put forward by Well House Estates at Well House Farm, Saltney.

The application was considered by Flintshire County Council's planning and development control committee at the request of County Councillor Eddie Hall (Broughton North East).

The scheme was opposed by Broughton and Bretton Community Council which described the conversion as over development which would cause traffic problems on an access road and at the junction with Chester Road.

Neighbours told planning officers the access was inadequate and the traffic would affect their privacy and amenity.

The farm is in open countryside off Chester Road, councillors were told in a report.

The conversion will provide six units for a mix of office, workshop and storage uses. Access would use an existing track. The conversion will retain the traditional features of the building, planning officers told councillors in a report.

No objections to the access were raised by the county's chief highways and transportation officer who had considered a traffic impact study. It was suggested, however, there should be an improvement at the junction with Chester Road.

Planning officers recommended the application should be approved and the committee agreed the change of use should have permission.