An East Ayrshire farm specialising in rare breed sheep and pigs is looking to turn its efforts to ‘no-dig’ organic vegetable production.

Gareth and Clare Parry, who own North Borland Cottage near Dunlop, have told East Ayrshire Council planners that the erection of a polytunnel and storage shed at their property does not require planning permission.

Officials will consider this and determine whether a full application is required.

A supporting statement from Mr Parry states: “It is contended that the proposals constitute ‘permitted development’.

Since 2007, the farm has concentrated on raising rare breed animals including Ryeland sheep and Large Black and Oxford Sandy and Black pigs.

The owners are now seeking to move towards no-dig, organic vegetable production.

The proposed polytunnel would be 12.8m long and 5m deep, with a total footprint of 64 square metres.

The storage shed would be 3.6m long and 1.8m deep, covering an area of 6.5 square metres.

The site is located in a rural setting and has a total acreage of approximately six acres, and the nearest neighbouring properties are approximately 50m from the proposed site, according to the applicants.

The report also states that the polytunnel and storage are ‘each in a sheltered and visually non-intrusive space’.

The structure would be situated on the north eastern side of the farm and be more than 25m away from the road.

The notice states that the owner would be entitled to go ahead with the development as the site is already an operating agricultural unit.

It adds that “The design and scale are typical of agricultural buildings and meet the requirements for permitted development. Therefore, the design and scale are considered to be acceptable.”