AN application to convert a barn in Slaidburn into a joinery workshop and house was given the thumbs-down by councillors.

Members of the Ribble Valley Council's planning and development control committee heard the barn occupied an elevated countryside position and its development would have a detrimental visual impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty.

A proposal by Slaidburn councillor Rosemary Elms that the application be passed with the condition that the house and workshop never be sold seperately was lost by six votes to seven.