THE gardens at Barnards Green House in Malvern will open their gates to the public for the last time next summer.

The privately-owned three-acre gardens have been opening for almost 30 years and attract hundreds of visitors each summer.

Owners Sue and Philip Nichols are hoping to get planning permission for four houses on one acre of the garden and will not open their remaining two acres to the public after next summer.

"We love the garden but it is a lot of work and we're not getting any younger," said Mrs Nichols.

"It will be sad to see it go but we'll re-create the part of the garden we've got left. There will still be plenty to do."

The Nichols have been opening their garden, which has mature trees, herbaceous borders, a rockery, vegetable garden, a woodland area and a pond, for the last 28 years.

Next summer it will open as normal through the National Gardens Scheme, which lists private gardens open to the public in its Yellow Book. Admission charges and teas raise money for charity.

Mrs Nichols said that charities would probably still use the garden for fundraising but it would not be open to the general public on a regular basis after next summer.

A planning application for four houses in the grounds of Barnards Green House on Poolbrook Road has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.