A planning application has been submitted to build a large glasshouse in a historic garden near Romsey.
The proposal includes a new water tank and pump house, and moving existing polytunnels and shade halls at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield.
Submitted by Hampshire County Council, the planning application involves erecting a rectangular 4m-high propagation glasshouse and a total footprint of 460sq m at the site’s western end, which is currently grassland and polytunnels.
The glasshouse would have six distinct pitched roofs running parallel, with gable ends orientated towards the north and south.
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Internally, the glasshouse would be divided into two; one side for growing plants (including a separate quarantine room) and the other section for use as a workshop, storage area and plant room.
The glasshouse will be where the existing polytunnels are, and these would be moved to the western end of the site.
The new water tank and pump house will also be to the west of the development plot and will be the same appearance and size as the existing structures on site.
The planning statement reads: "The proposed glasshouse would provide an effective new facility for the growing and propagation of threatened plant species."
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Horticulturalist Sir Harold Hillier bought the property in 1951 and created the gardens and arboretum as the surrounding area for his home.
He aspired to create the most extensive collection of hardy woody plants in the northern temperate hemisphere, highlighting conservation, education and recreation.
In 1977, Hampshire County Council was appointed as the gardens’ sole trustees, who have continued to develop and manage the gardens following Sir Harold Hillier’s original aims.
Since that year, the gardens have been registered under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage for its special historic interest.
Sir Harold Hillier is home to 14 national collections, more than 600 champion trees and 42,000 plants from temperate regions.
For more information on the planning application, see the county council website – https://planning.hants.gov.uk/Search/Results – using the reference number HCC/2023/0358
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