Plans to turn farm buildings into overnight accommodation were narrowly approved after a split decision.
The proposal to change the use of the buildings, from Hamptworth Golf and Country Club, was considered by the New Forest National Park Authority’s planning committee, focusing on two existing barns to the north of Hamptworth Road.
Members were told the plans involved work such as new cladding and windows to enable the buildings to be used as overnight accommodation.
Disused barns at Hamptworth Golf and Country Club (photo: NFNPA)
One barn would provide four en suite rooms alongside a communal sitting area and kitchenette, while another would have only two en suite bedrooms.
No additional parking was proposed, with guests instead transported between the clubhouse and the barns by golf buggy.
Planning officers advised the committee there would be “no enlargement” of either building and that the changes would not result in “significantly exacerbated visual intrusion”.
The application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.
However, the plans drew objections from a neighbour who lives in a nearby Grade II listed farmhouse, and the parish council.
Cllr Jonathan Price, speaking on behalf of Landford Parish Council, said he supported the scheme “in principle” but raised concerns over a lack of detail and potential impacts.
(photo: NFNPA)
He questioned the proposed lighting levels and called for stricter restrictions, adding: “There will be substantial disturbance because there will be continual back and forth from the neighbours.”
He said that “there is not a lot of detail in here and a lot of the conditions have not been nailed down”.
Meanwhile, the neighbour said the development would bring a “constant flow of short-stay business and service vehicles, with all the associated disturbance that comes with it”.
He added it would have a “very significant impact on our lives”.
Despite the concerns, the committee voted three in favour and three against, with the chair Steve Trow using a casting vote to approve the plans.
Cllr David Harrison, Liberal Democrat for Totton South, said: “I think this application does significantly improve the property, and it is quite possible to be sympathetic to the applicant as well as the objectors.”
It’s the latest major planning decision involving the golf club after it was told to demolish its padel courts – a decision it is appealing – and had retrospective plans on a cottage conservatory thrown out.