Plans have been submitted to convert a country house and former military training hub into a luxury hotel.

Another Place have submitted plans to convert Amport House, located in the village of the same name, into a hotel named Another Place: The Garden. The former Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre is intended to have 50 bedrooms, as well as a pool, bar, multiple dining areas and a kids club, among other offerings.

Another Place’s CEO, Will Ashworth, said: “We’re delighted to be the new custodians of such a historic estate and can’t wait to bring it back to life, for our guests to enjoy.

“Amport House is a magnificent place that deserves love, care and preservation, all of which we’re taking into account as we draw up our designs. Our renovation will reflect the estate’s heritage, celebrate its attributes and make the most of its space and spirit, all with the same relaxed style of hospitality and atmosphere our brand is known for.”

Amport House was built in 1857 for the Marquess of Winchester, replacing two earlier houses on the site. Following its use as a country estate, it was sold to the Ministry of Defence, with the Royal Air Force using it as the base for their chaplains. Subsequently, it would offer training to chaplains from all three armed forces.

During this time, Amport House played host to a historic moment in British military history, when the site was home to the first LGBTQ+ armed forces conference in 2004, bringing together personnel who had been forced to keep their sexuality a secret for many years until a ban was lifted in the early 2000s. This event paved the way for further changes to improve the standing of LGBTQ+ personnel in the armed forces.

The centre closed in 2020, and the house was sold. Another Place will now open it as a hotel, but hope to keep it open to the community. The company said that community ties are “central to the proposals and crucial to the success of the hotel”, with the local parish council having been kept up to date on the plans for the site.

Under the plans, local residents will be able to become members, and access the Grade II listed garden and grounds, a two storey swim club, an Ofsted-registered childcare facility, and two restaurants. Between 80 and 90 jobs will be created on site, and it is hoped many will be filled by locals.

The plans are currently under consideration by Test Valley Borough Council, and will be decided on in due course. If you would like to have your say, search Test Valley’s planning portal with the reference: 21/02304/FULLN