From a Correspondent:

Owl, I would be grateful if you would publish this comment as an article as I feel that this is so important and the more who see it the better.

Barns in AONBs will also be included in this nonsensical proposition, and remember that two thirds of East Devon land is covered by AONBs.

We need social housing here, but how many farmers will convert barns for that purpose?

Another thought. Where do a majority of our bat population live? Barns of course.

I can see the bats in East Devon following the fate of those of “The Pound” in East Budleigh after Clinton Devon Estates allowed the demolition of a barn to create a house, and where the bats seem to have disappeared Despite the creation of a “mitigation” Bat House.

[And what is the next step after converting a barn on agricultural land? Build another barn of course! – Owl]