A STUDIO in a quiet village near Basingstoke has been converted into an Air BnB despite objections from residents.

The studio, which is under a garage in Southlea, can now be rented out by users of the holiday rental company, Airbnb after a change of use application was granted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Susan Tomlinson wrote in the application seeking permission from the council that 'the studio will be a guest room for relatives and an Airbnb'. 

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(Image: BDBC) She added that the building was constructed 18 years ago and 'no alterations have or will be made'

"There were no objections made and it was not deemed detrimental to the conservation area," she said.

However, residents in the area objected to the plans because of concerns it 'would be detrimental to the character of the village'.

Neighbour Tony Parker said: "It's important that this [the application] is refused to keep the vernacular of the community". 

Another, Betty Hudson, raised concerns that renting out the property could lead to an increase in cars which 'would have implications on the wear and tear of the rough track that services Southlea properties'.

She added: "Overall it would change the character of our houses."

Ross Palmer said he objects 'on principle' as granting the application 'would set a dangerous precedent in a conservation area, potentially encouraging others to do the same'.

The site is in the town centre's conservation area, meaning planning officers must pay 'particular attention' to the scale, height, form, and materials of the proposals.

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Cliddesden Parish Council encouraged the council to refuse the application because the plans could 'alter the character and the nature of the existing development'.

The proposals received no objection from Hampshire Highways, which said that the development 'is unlikely to result in any significant overspill parking'.

Planning officers approved the application in a decision notice published on November 22, subject to conditions.

One such condition specified that within three months 'full details of the design and specifications of refuse and recycling storage and collection facilities and cycle storage must be provided'.