THE Earl of Pembroke has submitted plans to build a new boathouse within the grounds of Wilton Park Estate.

The location chosen for the Boat House is to the E side of the walled estate adjacent to a pond located 75m inside the line of the estate boundary with the A3094.

The Boat House location was carefully chosen to avoid disturbance/removal of existing trees.

Wilton Park - otherwise known as Wilton House - is registered under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the register of Historic Parks and Gardens by Heritage England for its special historic interest.

The design and access statement said: "The site chosen for the Boat House is relatively open/sparse of trees and adjacent/aligned with the NE side of the pond.

"This location will enable the Boat House to be constructed/accommodated without impact to/or need to fell any trees.

"The Boat House is located adjacent to and over-looking an existing pond in a private area of the Estate and distanced from Wilton House allowing the Earl and his family to relax in the Boat House and boats (canoes) on the pond."

It added: "Given the remote/private location of the proposed Boat House and its designated purpose, size (small) and functionality we assess this proposal to ‘cause no harm’ (substantial or otherwise) to the heritage status of the Listed Park Estate or Wilton House itself.

"The Earls and their families have over many generations carried out work to add, alter and enhance the Listed Park and buildings and this proposal represents one such addition reflecting the need for a Boat House/Leisure Building located in a private area of the estate and away from the main house."

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