Plans to convert a countryside barn near Eye into two homes have been refused by Mid Suffolk District Council with planners ruling that the applicant failed to prove the existing business use was no longer viable. However, planning officers said the application did not include enough evidence to justify the loss of employment space in open countryside. The Long Spong barn in Dublin Road, near Eye. Picture: Google MapsIn its decision notice, the council said the applicant had failed to demonstrate the premises were unviable as a business, as required under local planning policy. As a result, planning permission was refused.

Source: Express February 05, 2026 11:04 UTC