National Trust's application to retain visitor centre at Uppark House approved

A planning application was been submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority to keep the current temporary centre at the historic South Harting property for a further five years – as well as keep a toilet block on site. If approved, the National Trust said it would use the extra time to development a better permanent visitor reception area.

In its planning statement the Trust explained: “The Trust is currently undergoing a full assessment of Uppark to address essential maintenance and conservation works across the whole site.

"It has been approximately 30 years since the fire and restoration of Uppark House. There is now a great opportunity to understand and invest in the site in a holistic way.

"Historically, a small exhibition was set up within a temporary building on a site to the north of the main entrance) to provide information about the 1989 fire that took place in the mansion. The exhibition building was later removed, and the WC block was replaced in 2008.

"These essential works aim to set Uppark on a new course to reach its full potential as an elegant 17th century mansion with an internationally significant collection in a breath-taking elevated setting on the South Downs.

“As part of these works the project team will be looking to address the visitor arrival and experience in terms of the visitor reception and WCs. It is paramount that a long-term, permanent solution is developed and implemented.

"However, this must be undertaken and integrated with the entire site strategy. To achieve these ambitions, the Trust feel that a temporary five year extension to the existing planning permission for the kiosk and WC block will allow for the required time to develop these proposals. The proposals do not seek to materially change the kiosk and WC block from the previous application and instead are only seeking to extend the permission period length.”

To view the full application visit the South Down National Park Authority’s planning portal using the reference: SDNP/22/05896/FUL