Planners are due to approve the conversion of a garden outbuilding in a Hampshire village, despite objections from neighbours. 

The scheme is in Heath Road, Wickham, and is recommended for permission by Winchester City Council planning officers. 

It will be decided by the planning committee on Wednesday, January 10. 

The application, submitted by Kevin Lamport, has had nine objections as well as one from Soberton Parish Council. 

They said: “If this application is granted permission there will be visual, lighting and noise impacts which will result in a loss of amenity to neighbouring properties.”

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Stuart Doherty, of Heath Road, Fareham, said: “The main issues are a separate residential building, behind the main residence, which will set a precedent for future development, and the integrity of the information supplied, coupled with the adherence to previously approved applications.”

Despite this, it has been recommended for approval. 

In the planning officers' report, it said: “The proposal seeks to convert the existing outbuilding into a residential annexe, ancillary to the host dwelling. The existing layout of the outbuilding is maintained by the proposal. 

“The annexe provides a single bedroom with ensuite bathroom. A combined living, dining, and kitchen area is also provided. There are no external changes to the exterior of the building as built and this has been confirmed as compliant with permitted development criteria. The building can be accessed through a gate to the Northern side of the existing dwelling and parking provision remains as existing.

“The proposed conversion of the existing outbuilding into an ancillary residential annexe does not cause harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area. The annexe does not constitute the creation of a new dwelling in the countryside and is in accordance with the development plan.”

The proposal's planning statement said: “The outbuilding is of a high standard, complementing the existing building style and materials seen locally. 

“Privacy of neighbouring properties is respected due to the appropriate positioning of the building. The sensitive location of the building will not cause a significant impact upon any wider landscape views and will largely only be visible from the owners’ premises. The proposals do not seek to sub-divide the property.

“The proposals do not include the loss of significant usable garden space, and they do not include the loss of any trees or hedgerows. The proposals do not include any material construction works.”

For more details on the application, search 23/01099/FUL on Winchester City Council's online planning portal.