A separate village from New Alresford
Despite the shared name and close proximity, Old Alresford is a distinct village with its own identity, centred on Old Alresford Place, a listed historic house, rather than the shops and market square that define New Alresford.
Still Winchester's district
Like New Alresford, planning matters for an Old Alresford property are decided by Winchester's own team, and the district's conservation area rules can apply to older properties near the village centre.
A rural setting
The village sits among farmland and watercress beds typical of this part of the Itchen valley, giving many gardens a more open, rural feel than those in the town centre nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Is Old Alresford the same place as New Alresford?+
No, they're separate villages a short distance apart, with Old Alresford being the quieter, more rural of the two.
Which council covers Old Alresford?+
Winchester City Council covers Old Alresford, as it does New Alresford and most of the villages around Winchester.
Nearby areas
Services
Useful local links
- Winchester City Council – Do I need planning permission — Winchester City Council's guidance on when planning permission is required for householder projects, including outbuildings.
- Winchester City Council – Check if you are within the South Downs National Park — A tool to check whether a specific address falls within the South Downs National Park boundary, which changes the relevant planning authority.
- Winchester City Council – Building control — Winchester City Council's building control service, relevant to groundwork and services for larger garden buildings.
- Planning Portal – Outbuildings — National guidance on permitted development rules for garden buildings and outbuildings, including height and coverage limits.
- South Downs National Park Authority – Planning applications — The planning authority for addresses that fall within the South Downs National Park boundary, including parts of the villages east of Winchester.
- Test Valley Borough Council – Planning permission and pre-application advice — The relevant planning authority for Stockbridge, which sits within the Test Valley district rather than Winchester.