PLANS are currently being reviewed and consultations under way for the redevelopment of Bramshill Mansion in Eversley.

The Grade I listed building was previously a police training college, however, that ceased to function in January 2015 after it was sold for £20m to developers.

The 329-bedroom Jacobean mansion, located near Hartley Wintney, was put on the market after the Home Office and the now Prime Minister Theresa May decided that the 262-acre site was not economically viable, with running costs of £5m a year.

In 2013 at the time of its listing on the market, a development brief was prepared but then it was not considered suitable for large-scale, conventional residential development as the site was situated away from existing development.

The site was bought by City and Country in 2014 and the heritage property developers exchanged contracts with Hart District council soon after.

And on March 19 this year plans were submitted outlining the company’s proposal for the site.

The scheme shows 235 residential units and associated parking, with access and landscaping in the area known as The Core which includes; the Quad, Lakeside, Central Area, Walnut Close, Maze Hill and Sandpit Close.

It is also proposed to demolish all non-listed buildings and construct a replacement cricket pavilion and provision of a new 13.9ha Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANG).

There are also proposals for a museum for a building steeped in centuries of history.

The application was validated by Hart District Council on June 13 and a public consultation is now under way.

Richard Winsborough, associate director (Planning) at City & Country said: “Following an extensive period of public consultation we have submitted a number of separate planning applications, with the overarching vision to save the nationally important Bramshill Estate.

“These include plans for a single-use dwelling in the mansion, a multi-apartment residential conversion and office use.

“Our proposal for a multi-apartment conversion also includes plans for a heritage space within the mansion, which will afford public access to this hugely significant heritage asset for the first time in its history.” 

“We commenced public consultation in October 2014, hosting three pre-application events followed by a post-application public information session in July 2016, where we explained our submitted applications. We welcomed over 500 attendees across the four public events.

“We are working with the local authority and other stakeholders to aim for a planning committee in autumn 2016.

“Should our proposals be successful, we would expect work to begin in summer 2017, with an approximate construction timeline of four years.”

There are a number of issues to arise from the proposed development work and the environmental effects it may have. In particular these relate to the minerals and sands found around the grounds.

Hampshire County Council said in its response to plans that “the proposed development site boundary overlies part of the MWCA.

“The MWCA in this area indicates that there is a potential that viable sand and gravel deposits are present within the site, particularly to the south of the development.

“Hampshire County Council requests that a minerals assessment is undertaken and submitted for review.

“It is strongly advised that the developer takes the opportunity to engage with a local minerals operator to further explore the potential to recover any economically viable sand and gravel resources present.”

The Environment Agency has also submitted its response, outlining that the development is achievable but requirements must be met before it can offer its full support.

“The proposed development will be acceptable if a planning condition is included requiring a scheme to be agreed to ensure the landscape within the site is managed in such a way as to protect and enhance the ecological value of the site including the River Hart and the lake.”

The view from the public however, since the consultation phase started, has been less than positive.

One objection noted: “I have many reservations about the proposed development of Bramshill House, the main one being the the number of cars that will access the site via Plough Lane.

“This is a single track lane with passing paces and is unsuitable for an increase in use. At present there are many ‘near misses’ as cars drive too fast along the lane and many use it as a ’rat run’ for St Neots School .

“Over 300 dwellings at Bramshill would probably result in over 600 extra cars using Plough Lane which would be a hazard for the residents and an accident in waiting.”

Of the other objections on the Hart District Council planning website, the majority relate to traffic problems, in particular Plough Lane, that would result from any development.

City and County said: “As part of our ongoing consultation with stakeholders and the local community we have engaged Hampshire Highways Authority to ensure that our proposals consider the traffic concerns that were raised during the consultation process.

“We are in ongoing consultation with the authority and will continue this dialogue as the applications progress.”

Many cite how the lanes are narrow and it is already used as a cut through by locals who wish to take minutes off their journey’s to nearby schools and accessing Hartley Wintney village.