£1.5 million project to convert derelict farmhouse and barns near Ellesmere into homes

Morris Property plans to build six family homes at the barns at English Frankton and rebuild a derelict farmhouse to form a seventh house.

The 12-month restoration project is being carried out on behalf of the Tudor Griffiths Group, which is supplying all the building materials from its own network of builders merchants and concrete plants across Shropshire.

Developers say the traditional agricultural barns are no longer viable for modern farming techniques and will be sympathetically restored to create three and four-bedroom homes.

James West, head of Morris Property, said: "We are pleased to be working on such an interesting restoration project and intend to retain as much of the existing structure as possible to preserve the building's authenticity.

"We will be re-using bricks and slates to keep the exterior of the building in sympathy with its surroundings whilst creating a thoroughly modern fit out to today's exacting standards inside the barns."

Stuart Lawrence, group estates manager at Tudor Griffiths, said: "The homes will be built to a high standard and we expect them to generate a lot of interest. As well as having character to appeal to buyers, the site is in a lovely rural setting with superb views.

"We chose Morris Property for the project because of its expertise and reputation for quality. We know Morris will do a superb job for us." Work has started on site and will be carried out in phases with completion expected in September next year.