A £17 million country estate in Hampshire, cherished for its connection to Jane Austen, is embroiled in a contentious planning dispute. The current owners of Ashe Park, located near Basingstoke, have submitted a proposal to demolish the existing 17th-century house and replace it with a new mansion.
Shuk Ting Sharon Leung and Gillian Sin Hang Ho, who acquired the 232-acre estate in October 2022, have applied to Basingstoke and Deane borough council for permission to raze the current structure. They argue that the property is "tired and unmanaged" and lacks architectural merit. Their plan involves constructing a "traditional country house" in the Queen Anne style, which was popular in England from 1702 to 1714.
The existing seven-bedroom house, while not listed, boasts a "palatial" master bedroom, five reception rooms, and an "ornate" library. It holds significant historical value due to its proximity to Jane Austen's birthplace and her attendance at balls held there in the 1790s. Austen, born on December 16, 1775, in nearby Steventon, often featured country houses and balls in her novels, reflecting her experiences in Hampshire.
Local residents have expressed strong opposition to the demolition plans. Caroline Sykes, a 67-year-old retiree living nearby, lamented the potential loss, stating, "It is not a listed house, which does not work in its favour but it has got historical interest." She highlighted the upcoming 250th anniversary of Austen's birth in 2025, emphasizing the importance of preserving this piece of history.
Sue Headley, 74, from the village of Ashe, echoed these sentiments, expressing a desire to see the property restored rather than demolished. Laura Shuttle, a 42-year-old housewife, added, "It is a historic building with a Jane Austen connection. There is a lot of history behind it, it is a shame it can't be restored as it is."
The controversy surrounding Ashe Park highlights the ongoing debate between development and heritage preservation in England. The planning system aims to balance these competing interests, with applications typically taking 8-13 weeks for a decision. As of September 2024, a decision on the Ashe Park application is still pending.
The potential loss of Ashe Park raises questions about the preservation of cultural landmarks associated with literary figures like Jane Austen. Her works, including "Pride and Prejudice" first published in 1813, have been adapted into numerous films and TV series, underscoring her enduring cultural impact. The English country house, exemplified by properties like Ashe Park, has long been a significant cultural icon, with many now managed by organizations like the National Trust.
As the planning process unfolds, the fate of Ashe Park remains uncertain. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges in balancing modern development with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage in the UK.