A business specialising in maintaining traditional buildings has been given permission to build in the countryside.

Park Barn Farm building service, on the Methuen Estate in Corsham, is currently run from a family dining room.

And councillors were worried that, if planning permission for new offices was refused, the business might move to North Devon.

Officers had recommended refusal for a two-storey office and covered parking area at Park Farm Barn, Westrop because it is outside the village and away from services.

But members of North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee last week overturned the officers' recommendation because they wanted to support the long-established business.

Coun Christine Reid said: "It's a special place and absolutely lovely. All the buildings are of a very high standard.

"I think it is absolutely in line with everything we have been saying to get a limited amount of sustainable work in our villages."

The plans, which were supported by Corsham town council and nine residents, were approved on condition the building is used solely for employment purposes.

The business employs 15 people who undertake specialist conservation work.