We have been looking back through the Epping Forest Guardian's archive and plans to reimagine Debden Hall were making our headlines five years ago this week.

A piece of land bigger than 20 tennis courts could be opened up to the public as part of an “exciting” redevelopment of an historic hall.

Loughton-based Clear Architects have unveiled plans to rebuild a hall inspired by the original Debden Hall, built in Debden Green in 1775 but destroyed by fire in 1929.

Influenced by original architect Henry Holland who designed for the nobility of the time, Debden Hall III – the second was demolished in the 1960s – will be built in woodland on the original site.

The home’s gardens will also be redesigned based on plans by renowned designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who created the original 1775 gardens.

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Chelsea Flower Show award-winning architects Aralia Garden Design will create the new gardens, and it is hoped that a 1.34 acre piece of land will be gifted by the landowner to Epping Forest Country Care for community benefit.

If planning permission is granted, this would allow public access to the garden.

Clear Architects director Melanie Clear said: “This is an incredibly exciting project to be involved in, reimagining the original Debden Hall and designing a building that fulfils all of the demands of modern life while retaining design elements introduced by Henry Holland in the late 18th Century.

“The Debden Hall estate has long been an important feature in the local area, and I am thrilled to be part of its restoration.

“Based on pre-planning application meetings with the local authorities, I am hopeful that planning permission will be granted, with this exceptional scheme.”