PLANS to transform a closed pub into a “high-quality restaurant” with bed and breakfast rooms in Romsey have been given the green light.
A planning application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council by Alfi Blue Limited, who were looking to add 12 bed and breakfast rooms to the rear of the Dukes Head, Greatbridge Road, as an extension.
Now, planning chiefs have approved the plans, which will offer 50 car parking spaces for guests.
This comes after residents slammed the plans, fearing there will be more cars travelling to the bed and breakfast, due to parking spaces being increased from 30 to 50.
READ: Plans for bed and breakfast in Romsey are pushed back >>>
One resident also worried the bed and breakfast will cause overdevelopment.
Nicola Nixon, of Greatbridge Road, claimed the business changing from a pub to a bed and breakfast could "increase noise levels".
She added: "The increase in car parking spaces will also increase noise with car engines and doors banging. As a public house, I could expect noise to cease at around 11pm; with a hotel this will be constant.”
Christopher Saunders-Davies, of Greatbridge Road, objected over access to the site being "unsatisfactory", since it is "on the inside corner of a major (A) road".
However, as previously reported, community leaders backed the plan.
Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Blackwater on the borough council, said: “The application is aiming at the fishermen market and they are not aiming at people who will be partying all night.
"The issue of access to that pub has always been a tricky one; it has a tight corner, but it is what it is and I would rather we put a pub back into use that will create jobs for the local area.
“I am sure that the traffic will be taken into account as well.”
READ: Residents slam plans to transform Romsey pub with B&B >>>
Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents the Romsey Cupernham ward, added she was “ in favour of anything that creates more beds for visitors to Romsey”.
A document submitted to TVBC by Alfi Blue said: “The pub is in dire need of significant investment if this historic and important community asset is to be retained. The intention is to refurbish and renovate the existing building to make it an attractive location for customers to visit.
"The emphasis will be on providing a friendly environment and high-quality restaurant."
The plans were approved on August 28.
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