PLANS have been submitted to change a barn into a self-serve kiosk for Hadrian's Wall walkers.

A planning application was submitted to the Northumberland National Park Authority to propose a change of use for the agricultural barn located at Sewingshields Farm, Haydon Bridge, near Hadrian's Wall Path.

Sewingshields is a working farm located along Hadrian’s Wall and accessed from the classified military road. The farm consists of several buildings including the farmhouse itself, together with smaller agricultural buildings.

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The barn, which is only used for storage and sheltering working dogs, is to become a fully enclosed space for walkers to stop off, shelter and enjoy refreshments.

The kiosk will have a new floor, internal wall and ceiling finishes installed, plus a kitchen counter and tables and chairs for walkers.

A design and access statement said the proposed development will 'provide a low-key workstream for the farm’s younger family members on site, encouraging sustainable and local produce to be prepared and sold, indeed a change of use of this nature through the diversification proposed would help to sustain the long-term operation of the farm business'.

It will also provide a space for walkers 'to learn about the history of Sewingshields, Northumberland farming and the regenerative and sustainable principles it has adopted'.

"Overall the building is in good condition and would require no repair or rebuilding to bring it into new use other than the proposed interventions included within this application. The barn is presently used only for some agricultural storage and also housing some working dogs, both uses can be better located elsewhere within the farm site.

"The proposal is limited in intervention and will be both sympathetic in architectural language whilst enhancing the in-use operation of the building which will assist with securing its long-term structural integrity.

"No landscape works are proposed other than a thresh immediate to each doorway entry. The existing roof and surface water run-off will remain unchanged from existing."

There are no requirements to alter access for vehicles and there will be no increase in vehicle access to the site.

For more information, go to Northumberland National Park Authority's planning portal and search reference number 24NP0080.