PLANS to build two detached houses in the borough's green belt have been approved.

A two-storey farmhouse in Blackrod can be demolished in favour of a new property now that planning permission has been granted.

An existing barn at Pennington Fold Farm is also set to be converted into a dwelling.

The proposed development in Little Scotland is in the green belt but is located opposite five dwellings, according to architects Good and Tillotson.

They said: "Whilst the site lies within the greenbelt, it is not considered as being ‘remote’, due to its proximity to Blackrod centre."

Town hall officers issued the decision on Tuesday.