PLANS to build a swimming pool in the garden of a Grade II Listed house north of Basingstoke have been approved - despite objections from neighbours.

The proposal submitted by the owner of Tile Barn Holt in Woolton Hill near Newbury was approved by a development control committee of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on Wednesday, April 10.

The proposal, to build a swimming pool measuring 10m x 4m with a 600mm wide stone paving terrace surrounding, was brought to the committee following letters of objection from neighbours, although the planning officers recommended that the plan be approved.

The original plan was to build a 12 x 3.6 x 1.5m deep pool to the east of the dwelling, but it was withdrawn in May 2023.

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The proposals were met with concerns from residents who were worried that the pool's location would harm the neighbouring listed buildings, create noise, and disrupt the area's character and privacy.

Commenting on the plans, Cllr Nick Robinson said he was concerned about the application.

“This swimming pool isn't in the back garden. It's in the middle of the front garden,” he said.

“When you approach this building – it's a beautiful listed building – the first thing you're going to see is a modern swimming pool. I think there's an argument that that detracts and damages the view of the listed building.

“If it was in the back garden and away and out of sight it wouldn't be a problem. But it's not. It's right in the middle of the front garden and in full view when you approach the property.”

However, a planning officer clarified that the pool would be behind the hedge row and the boundary treatment and it wouldn’t be seen from outside the property.

The officer also said a neighbouring property also has recently had a permission for swimming pool in a similar location.

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Cllr Paul Miller said he would favour the plans.

“These old properties with large gardens are very attractive, but we're in the 21st century,” he said.

“The fact that you can have the grounds and space to put a swimming pool in and looking at the profile of the pool, it's just going to have just a flat recessed swimming pool, I would approve it.”

Cllr Mike Bound seconded that: “I feel the garden is sufficiently screened and the pool itself seems to be surrounded by trees to a certain extent.”

The development control committee ultimately voted in favour of the plans, allowing the pool to be built.