Alan Titchmarsh has insisted his decision to sell his £4 million Georgian home is unrelated to plans for 160 new homes on land near his property in Holybourne, Hampshire. The celebrity gardener, 76, said he is downsizing because he fears he can no longer manage the four-acre garden after 23 years.
Titchmarsh and his wife Alison put Manor Farm House on the market in September for £3.95 million. The Grade II-listed property dates from 1690 and has been extensively renovated, including its manicured gardens. The couple bought the home in 2002.
Developer Redbrown lodged plans with East Hampshire District Council in July for the development on 15.6 hectares of agricultural fields and a play area directly behind Titchmarsh's home. Alton Town Council has objected, saying the plans would make Holybourne a third larger and 'change the nature of Holybourne from a rural village to a suburb of Alton'.
Villagers have raised concerns about increased traffic, loss of green space, and flooding. One resident, Theresa, said the development would have made Titchmarsh consider moving, adding: 'You don't put an urban neighbourhood in the middle of a village.'
Redbrown describes itself as a 'well-established farming and property business' and says the scheme would be a 'sensitively designed sustainable extension' providing homes for families, first-time buyers, and older residents. The plans are under consideration and have received dozens of objections as well as some support.
