Test Valley Borough Council has approved Planning and Listed Building Consent to convert Amport House into a boutique hotel.

LUC’s planning, ecology and heritage appraisal teams collaborated on this development and are thrilled with the outcome.

Constructed in the Elizabethan style in 1857 by John Paulet, 14th Marquess of Winchester, Amport House has hosted guests over the decades, functioning most recently as a Ministry of Defence chaplaincy training centre.

Our experts aimed to ensure that this tradition continues while enhancing facilities for the local community. Once converted, the hotel is set to provide for 80-90 full-time equivalent jobs, ensuring a sustainable, long-term use to preserve this important historic and cultural asset.

The new design focuses on resource conservation by utilising existing buildings and improving facilities to meet modern environmental standards while conserving beautiful buildings and grounds. The approved upgrades will replace oil heating with biomass, reduce water usage, and comply with nutrient neutrality requirements. Preservation efforts will include retaining important trees and protecting habitats for bats.

Designed by Tate + Co and Marian Boswall Landscape Architects, the new layout includes interior conversion to a luxury standard, the construction of a new swimming pool and spa building, and the addition of two cabins in the wider grounds.