Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes, the YouTube couple known for their daily vlogs and social media empire, have been largely absent from their platforms for months. New planning documents have revealed the reason: they are building a donkey sanctuary at their £1.7 million home in West Sussex, which has sparked a local planning dispute.
Social Media Silence
Zoe, 36, has not posted since her usual Vlogmas in December, while Alfie, 32, last posted in April, a stark contrast to his daily YouTube vlogs. Fans have been puzzled by their disappearance, which has been compared to the mystery of Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman's missing miniature Dachshund.
Planning Application Details
Local planning documents show Alfie has submitted an application to the local council for a five-acre plot of land just north of their home. The plans include a tractor parking area, a donkey enclosure and stable, a wildlife pond, and three shepherd huts.
The application has angered some locals over the 2.1-metre-high boundary fencing and new access gates. Residents argue the works will cause safety hazards, disruption from heavy vehicles, and damage to mature trees' root systems.
Support and Speculation
Alfie's planning agent has stated the huts are not for residential or Airbnb use but will store beekeeping equipment, land maintenance tools, donkey feed, and serve as a daytime rest room by the pond. Some neighbours support the project, calling it a sustainable return to agricultural roots and an ecological asset.
The news has reassured fans that all is well in the Deyes/Sugg household, though it does not fully explain Zoe's social media absence. Metro has contacted representatives for Zoe and Alfie for comment.
