A proposal to convert a former hair and beauty salon into a microbrewery and dining establishment in Overton has been approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The application, submitted by B&R Benton Property Limited, will see the former Hobbs salon at 7 High Street transformed into a microbrewery with a bar and kitchen.
Despite objections from neighbours and Overton parish council, the plans were approved at the borough council's development control committee meeting on Wednesday, October 9 by a vote of seven councillors in favour, two against, and two abstentions
At the meeting, two residents voiced their opposition to the proposal.
READ MORE: Plan to convert former hair salon into brewery in Overton
Brian Langer, a long-time resident of Overton, raised concerns about the proximity of the new microbrewery to his home.
“We have lived at our home for 46 years without noise or disturbance. If this development is approved, it will massively impact our lives,” he said.
He said the building, which is planned to stand just 4m from his garden, should be moved further down the site to reduce its impact.
Richard Taylor, another resident, spoke about Overton's existing parking issues.
“It is madness to approve this application in the centre of the village where parking problems are already acute. A fine idea maybe, but it is totally unsuitable in this location,” he said.
Russell McCourty, the architect for the plans, spoke in favour of the development.
He said: "Ben and Becky Benton chose an empty listed building which they knew from the outset that would take more on their part to take through to fruition. They did so because they knew it was the right property for them and their business.
“They have carefully considered every single possible impact that their choices and decisions would have on the local Overton community.”
He added that the application had received 79 letters of support, in contrast to 21 letters of objection from eight households.
During the debate, councillors acknowledged that the microbrewery could increase traffic in the area, but as the Highways authority had raised no objections, they concluded there was little they could do to address these concerns.
The approved plans include extensive refurbishments to the Grade II-listed building, with modifications such as enlarged rear doors for wheelchair access, updates to the shopfront, and the construction of a single-storey outbuilding to house the microbrewery.
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A previous proposal for outdoor seating was removed from the final application, which helped to ease some residents' worries about noise pollution.
The applicants claim that it will breathe new life into the empty building, boost the village’s economy, and attract more visitors to Overton.
However, the parish council remained concerned that the new alcohol-serving establishment could harm local businesses and negatively impact the village’s social fabric.
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