A HISTORIC county house used as a base for the Ministry of Defence since the Second World War could be transformed into a luxury hotel and leisure club if new plans are approved, creating up to 90 jobs for the area.

The MoD sold off Grade II-listed Amport House, in the village of Amport, to boutique hotel group Another Place in 2020.

The company, which owns two five-star properties in Cornwall and the Lake District, has submitted a planning application to convert the building into a 50-bedroom hotel complete with a swimming pool, multiple dining areas and a children’s club.

If it goes ahead, Amport House will be renamed Another Place: The Garden.

Will Ashworth, chief executive of the Another Place group, said: “We are 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.

He added: “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.”

Amport House has a long history and was built in 1857 for the Marquess of Winchester, replacing two earlier houses on the site.

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