Alan Titchmarsh has revealed the real reason why he has put his Grade II-listed Georgian home up for sale. The gardening expert, 76, recently explained he planned to downsize as he was “knocking on a bit”. The move comes amid reports that developers plan to build 160 homes just yards away from his Grade II-listed Georgian house.
The ITV favourite has since spoken out about the development plans and insisted his decision to sell has nothing to do with a proposed housing estate. Planning documents reportedly show the housing development would be built on land directly behind Alan’s property, according to the Daily Mail. The plans were lodged by developers in July this year, and are currently under consideration.
Alan and his wife Alison, 74, put their home on the market in September for £3.95million. The couple bought the Grade II-listed Georgian manor in 2002 and the stunning property dates back to 1690.
Asked about the new development he told the Daily Mail: “While plans have certainly been submitted for a housing development nearby this has nothing to do with our decision to move.
“We are simply downsizing and moving to be closer to our two daughters and our grandchildren who live a few miles away.
“Tempting as it might be to suggest that the proposed development (which may or may not come to fruition) has influenced our decision is completely wide of the mark.”
Alan added the village will remain a “delight” for residents “with or without an additional housing estate”.
East Hampshire District Council said a decision was due about the plans next year.
A spokesman told the publication: “The application was submitted in July and since then we have been consulting with relevant consultees to get their expert opinion on the impact of the development on the area, for example on local roads or drainage, and we have consulted with local residents to obtain their views.”
Meanwhile, Alan previously said it is time to focus on a smaller garden after 23 years of tending to his sprawling four-acre plot in the countryside.
The gardening expert added he is conscious of his age and doesn’t want the large grounds in Hampshire to become “overwhelming” to him.
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