A SWIMMING pool will be built in the garden of a Grade II-listed house after plans were approved by officers.
Permission to build a pool at Wergs Manor, previously called Wergs Farmhouse, in Old Burghclere was granted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in a decision made on Monday, September 9.
The 4575 sq ft property was listed in the 1970s due to its 'architectural and historic significance' with the building's preservation due to 'its many historic design elements from differing periods'.
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The building's facade is estimated to date from the 18th century, with the shape of the building dating from the 19th century, according to the application.
A large thatched barn, located near the house, is also Grade II listed as the building's timber frame dates from the 17th century.
The application, submitted in July, sought permission to build an external lap swimming pool in the building's grounds.
Lap swimming pools are long and narrow as they are designed to be used to swim laps for fitness and exercise in comparison to regular pools, which are wider.
The installation of the pool will have 'no visual impact on or from Wergs Manor House' as it will be 'set flush with the surrounding lawn.
Pool plant equipment for the facility will be stored 'within the thatched barn' and 'will not result in harm to the barn or its structure' according to the application.
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In consultation, Roderick McDonald, the principal conversation officer for BDBC, said that he raises 'no objection to the application'.
Planning officers recommended that permission to build the swimming pool be granted as 'the proposal will have minimal adverse impact on the significance of the Listed building'.
In the borough, there are 1800 buildings that meet the criteria of having architectural and historic interest or close historical associations with significant people or events.
These include churches, farmsteads, cottages, houses, bridges, telephone kiosks, a lamp post and even a dog kennel.
The application can be viewed on Basingstoke and Deane's planning portal at 24/01511/LBC.
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