PLANS to demolish a coach house behind a Hampshire country pub will be decided tomorrow. 

The proposal, submitted by Lochstill Ltd, is to create a new building with five bedrooms for letting, parking and outside seating, behind The Dove Inn in Andover Road, Micheldever Station. 

It will be decided by Winchester City Council's planning committee on Wednesday, March 13 because it received 12 objections and one supporting comment. 

Planning officers have recommended it for permission. 

Cllr Caroline Horrill, who represents the Wonston and Micheldever ward on the city council, said: “The main objection is the waste water system. I agree the site must have a separate system, but the type of system and how it works in the context of the locality is also crucial. 

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Hampshire Chronicle: The Dove Inn

“I would therefore request more detailed information regarding the specific system, its operation and impact on the locality (smell for example) before the application is considered.

“The second issue is the tree and its preservation and ensuring that appropriate protection measures are in place. Again I would request that this detail is provided by the applicant before a final decision about the application is made.”

Supporter John Beresford, of Main Road, Itchen Abbas, said: “I support the application for letting rooms at The Dove Inn. The area has a shortage of accommodation and the proposal will help to support tourism and economic growth of the area. It will also help to make the pub more sustainable and help to protect it from the threat of closure.”

In the planning officers' report, it said: “The development is recommended for permission as it is considered that it will have a positive impact on the pub business by introducing additional tourist accommodation.

“The proposal is considered to be acceptable and to comply with relevant local and national planning policy.”