An iconic house, visited by Jane Austin, also owned by Lord Portal. 

Yes, it is very sad to see yet another interesting property threatened with demolition, whether it is listed or not does not seem to make much difference to their eventual destruction. Still, at least planning permission has not been sought to turn the gardens into yet more housing, unlike so many other similar properties.

Looking around the area, there is the former Great Western Hotel, is that waiting to be turned into flats, or to fall down? There is Newlyne House, next to the Moniton Estate which is due to be demolished. The four-acre plot is finding it difficult to obtain planning permission. Sad to think that this well-brick house has to be pulled down? I see that the cottage opposite the White Hart in Worting is being rethatched. Gosh, what a kind owner to keep a rural tradition going in a very urban area. Sad to see the former Worting school building remaining empty, because the owner can not get permission to turn it into homes, as he requires. A kind man who supports the next-door Worting Scouts.   

So, why is it that it is cheaper to demolish an interesting property and then rebuild, rather than repair it? Part of this has to do with the now 20 per cent VAT. (Originally 10 per cent when introduced). VAT is claimed on new housing, but not repairs. It looks as though if the property is falling down after 10 years, then there is a chance to reclaim it. The other reason is mainly with listed buildings. Like thatched cottages much of the cost of rebuilding is an expensive skill. Sadly even some listed buildings are falling down. PRIVATE EYE mentions many.  

Some owners of properties such as the National Trust Ashe Park are open for a few days a year. This organisation, (being a registered charity) has tenants in many of its properties. Ashdown House, in Berkshire is open just two days a week for half the year. Now might that be an example for our Ashe Park House?  As a listed charity, it might get tax concessions as well as volunteers, provided there is still some good will to be found with our local community.

Many thanks to our much loved local newspaper for confirming details of the Winklebury Regeneration etc. More to come on that.

Paul FitzPatrick,

Winklebury Way,

Basingstoke

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