REDUNDANT farm buildings on the outskirts of Watchet could be given a new lease of life if plans to turn them into a tourist attraction get the go-ahead.

The cluster of traditional barns and modern agricultural units at Doniford Farm, Doniford are at the centre of a scheme by new owner Stephen Clothier.

Mr Clothier wants to set up a farm park, converting a handful of buildings to create six craft workshops, a shop, café and exhibition area and animal enclosures.

The barns are listed by their association with the farmhouse, a Grade Two listed property believed to date back to the 14th century.

The scheme would also see a new access created to the serve the barns and a proposed 40-space car park.

Mr Clothier and his wife currently keep a variety of animals, including sheep, cows, goats, chickens, pigs, alpacas and meerkats.

Two of the barns would be used for animal pens and enclosures, whilst a milking parlour in another would be retained as a working operation.

A statement to planners supporting the bid said: "The scheme for the conversion has been carefully designed so that the character of the converted buildings will reflect that of agricultural buildings and not commercial or retail units."

The buildings are said to be largely redundant for present day farming needs.

"We regard the animal park and craft workshops as most appropriate - indeed, with the sensitive design which forms part of this application, it is our view that this structure would be enhanced by conversion, as well as preserved and protected for the future," said the statement.

"By converting traditional barns into craft units, an element of traditional daytime use and activity will be retained within the farm complex, providing local employment and an attraction for visitors to the animal park."