A family is celebrating after being granted permission to convert a former pig sty on their farm into an eco-home and base for their business, despite council planning officers recommending refusal.

Michael Stillwell, of Snarlton Farm, Wingfield, had applied to turn the former pig sty into a live/work unit for his son and his wife, but council officers said it was an urban design unsuited for an agricultural building on a rural farm.

Similar proposals for the pig sty were thrown out as they were not deemed to have the correct live/work balance.

At a meeting on Thursday, West Wiltshire District Council's planning committee approved the plans meaning work will start on converting the former pig sty in a matter of weeks, when the asbestos roof is removed.

Mr Stillwell said: "We're all delighted here after working hard over a couple of years to achieve the objective we set out to. We hope to start on it as soon as possible.

“The design will make the building look really attractive and enhance the environment. The planning officers got caught up on one issue, the amount of glass it would have, but the committee thought it was reasonable."

Mr Stillwell bought Snarlton Farm 22 years ago and has gradually converted most of the old agricultural buildings in that time.

The pig sty has stood derelict for 25 years, and is currently used for storage.

The plans will convert the sty into an apartment and office for Mr Stillwell's son's company, Protomax Plastics, which has developed a way of converting waste plastic into useful panels.

The asbestos roof will make way for an eco-friendly grass roof, double glazing will be installed and the entire building will be heated by a ground source heat pump.