MP visits Architectural Plants project at Brinsbury

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited the new site of Architectural Plants in Pulborough on Friday (11 January).

Architectural Plants is a long established business in West Sussex, specialising in exotic and hardy plants and trees.  The success of the business has led to an opportunity for expansion, so they have created a new site to provide them with the space and facilities to propagate and develop more stock.

Nick Herbert was given a tour of the developing site by the owner, Angus White.  Angus established his original nurseries for Architectural Plants in Nuthurst 22 years ago.  The Brinsbury site now provides the company with a further 35 acres to develop into a specialist centre.  The development includes its own newly excavated reservoir which pumps water directly into the irrigation system.   

Mr Herbert was shown the first of the vast polytunnels which have been set up and filled with plants and trees.  Further polytunnels will be added to the site to house more varieties as the project progresses.

The MP was particularly interested to learn about the apprenticeship scheme that Architectural Plants have set up in conjunction with the adjacent college.  Brinsbury College is the only horticultural college in West Sussex.  Students will be able to gain skills in Nursery Production which will be invaluable for a career in horticulture.   

Following the visit Nick Herbert said: "I was I impressed with the evident ambition and vision behind the expansion of Architectural Plants, though concerned to hear once again how bureaucratic delays in the planning process have hindered the expansion of a local business.

"Horticulture is an important local industry and it is important that expanding businesses are encouraged and supported.  Too often it seems that unnecessary hurdles are being placed in their way."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1.    For more information about Architectural Plants please see their website www.architectualplants.com.

2.    For more information about Brinsbury College and their apprenticeships please see their website http://www.chichester.ac.uk/Employers/Apprenticeship/About-Apprenticeships/.