Hampshire garage conversion plan rejected by Winchester planners

Phillip Harrison applied to Winchester City Council for permission to transform a converted garage on his property, in Kidmore Lane, Denmead, into a three-bedroom house.

The application also covered the creation of a separate curtilage, enlargement of patio doors, changing the garage door to a feature window, extending the roof canopy to the front and rear, changing roof lights in front elevation to dormers and adding a porch.

Winchester City Council planning committee refused the application on Thursday, May 23.

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Kevin Andreoli, co-chair of Denmead Parish Council, objected to the proposal.

The proposed floor plan for the house (Image: Winchester City Council)

Speaking on behalf of the parish council, he told the committee: “We raise a strong objection on the following grounds. That the application is contrary to policy, as it will result in an additional residential unit in a countryside location with no justification for agricultural, horticultural or forestry development.

“The application would fail to fail to enhance the local distinctiveness, tranquillity and setting, and there is a concern for the health and wellbeing of the oak tree on the corner of the property,  adjacent to the crossroads, which is close to the proposed vehicle turning area. We are pleased that the tree officer agrees with us.

“Additionally, there is concern that there are plans to remove hedgerows to make way for more driveway.”

Mr Harrison said: “There is far less damage to the environment by utilising existing buildings rather than building on open, green space.

“Given that the building already exists, the change of use from annexe to dwelling will have little visual impact. The building has been here for around 10 years now. It is part of the accepted image of Denmead. People passing the site will be unlikely to notice any changes to the building.”

The existing annexe/garage (Image: Winchester City Council)

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He added that there had only been two objections from neighbours and that other neighbours and members of the community had expressed their support for the application.

Cllr Angela Clear said that the application was “too much”, and raised concerns that if it were permitted then further similar applications would be submitted to Winchester City Council.

Cllr Rachel Aron said: “The first thing I noticed when I saw the annexe is that it looks as if it is a barn. Now, barns in the countryside are fine – they have to be there but their appearance is in keeping with the rural atmosphere of it whereas another house is not. And for me, that is a strong point on the rural development side of things.”

The application was refused.