Ewhurst Park: Plans to develop holiday lets approved

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has given approval for nine holiday lets with an ancillary cafe at Ewhurst Park, under wider regeneration plans for the estate.

Malaysian model Mandy Lieu bought the Ewhurst Park estate, located just outside Ramsdell, in 2020, which was owned by the Dukes of Wellington from 1817 until 1943.

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At the time she said that she plans to turn the estate into an eco-farm, as well as introducing holiday lets, planting a ‘micro-forest’ and establishing a retreat for families affected by motor neurone disease.

Artist's impression of what one of the barns could look like at Ewhurst Park (Image: Ewhurst Park planning application)

The latest planning application stated: “The proposal forms part of a wider regeneration plan for the farm estate which encompasses rewilding, the introduction of sustainable farming practices and tourism. The income from this proposal will contribute to the Estate’s revenues which will help to support the farm enterprise. The existing buildings are under-utilised. The proposal, therefore, makes better use of existing resources by re-purposing existing buildings for tourist accommodation with ancillary facilities. In principle therefore there is no objection to the proposal.”

In 2022, the estate was given planning permission to covert farm buildings into holiday lets, and the only difference in the current plan is the inclusion of a café facility which is said to be “an ancillary adjunct to the tourist accommodation”.

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Borough council planning officers have now given the scheme the go-ahead, stating: "The principle of the proposed development is considered in accordance with Policy EP5 of the Local Plan and would make use of redundant, disused buildings with minor extensions and alterations. The development is considered appropriate to the character of the area and impact on heritage assets. As such, there are no objections to the proposal and permission is granted."

The estate at Ewhurst was first recorded in The Domesday Book in 1086, when it was held by Walter of Hugh de Port. Over the years, it passed through a number of owners until the Dukes of Wellington purchased it in 1817.

The house was rebuilt in 1872, and the Dukes later sold the house in 1943, being occupied by the Canadian military during World War Two. Following a period lying empty, the house was reduced in size in the 1950s, and was replaced completely with a new building in 2009.