A planning application has been submitted to convert an agricultural building in Cheddleton into up to five residential homes.

The plans, which relate to an agricultural building at Big Shaffalong Farm, on Shaffalong Lane in Cheddleton, were submitted by the animal by-products and proteins business John Pointon & Sons.

A planning statement prepared as part of the application explains some of the building's history, saying: "The building was used for agriculture as part of the established agricultural unit at Big Shaffalong Farm.

"During these times the building was used to house livestock and for general agricultural storage. The use of the building has not changed since."

Discussing the details of the proposed conversion work, it states: "One of the proposed dwellings would [classify] as a larger dwellinghouse, with the gross floor area not exceeding 465 square metres.

"The remaining four [classify] as smaller dwellinghouses with the gross floor area of each one not exceeding 100 square metres. The cumulative number of dwellinghouses within the established agricultural unit would not exceed five."

It goes on to conclude: "The applicants are looking for an alternative use for the application building and are therefore seeking prior approval from the Local Planning Authority under Class Q permitted development for change of use from agriculture to dwellinghouses.

"Each of the matters for prior approval is considered within this statement. It is considered that there is no unacceptable or avoidable harm to any of these interests. It is therefore respectfully suggested that prior approval is not required and planning permission should accrue under the Order."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will have the final say on the plans at a later date.