MP impressed by the ‘vision’ of development

On Friday he met owner of the long-established plant business Angus White, who is working closely with the neighbouring Brinsbury campus of Chichester College.

The partnership means students at Brinsbury, the only horticultural college in West Sussex, will be able to gain skills in nursery production which will be invaluable for a future career in horticulture.

Angus established his original nurseries for Architectural Plants in Nuthurst 22 years ago, specialising in exotic and hardy trees and plants.

The Brinsbury site now provides the company with a further 35 acres to develop into a specialist centre.

It 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.

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.”