Permission in principle has been granted for up to four houses to be built at the site of a construction company.

Mr S Gill is the owner of Barrowbridge Construction Ltd, which currently occupies the site in Club Street, Barrow.

The company has three full-time and one part-time staff members, though Mr Gill, who has run the company for 35 years, is looking to semi-retire.

Mr Gill is looking at the viability of moving the business away and running it from home, with four new houses to take the business’ place and make the area wholly residential.

READ MORE: Construction company owner looking at building four houses on current site

The company has faced difficulties with steel deliveries, which arrive on large six-wheel wagons, due to on-street parking - particularly at school times.

Barrow Primary School has recently been extended meaning it can take on more pupils, and this has had an effect on the parking situation.

The development of the site took another step last week when Ribble Valley Borough Council granted permission in principle for the plans.

This is subject to a number of conditions, including that the development shall not exceed four residential homes and that an application for technical details is submitted within three years.

Lancashire Telegraph: Whalley Road in Barrow at peak timeWhalley Road in Barrow at peak time (Image: Judith Douglas Town Planning Ltd)

A planning statement submitted to the council said: “On the site there are two buildings comprising offices with storage above and workshop occupied by Barrowbridge Construction Ltd, and a separate storage building which is rented out to a tenant.

“There is a significant environmental benefit to be gained by the community through the visual and environmental uplift of the replacement of the commercial use with housing development.

“The activities and traffic associated with the commercial use will cease and be replaced with a wholly compatible residential use and light residential traffic.

READ MORE: Two family homes in Whalley plan refused by council

“The potential conflict between commercial vehicles accessing the yard and vehicles and pedestrians associated with school opening and closing times will cease.

“The proposed residential development of the site is wholly compatible with the existing housing in close proximity to the site. The redevelopment of the site and cessation of the current use of the land as a builder’s yard and workshop will lead to environmental benefits to the community.”

To view the proposals in full, visit the council’s planning website.